Leeds Medics and Dentists 2015-16 review

LEEDS MEDICS & DENTISTS NAMS WOMENS C HAMPIONS YAML C HAMPIONSHIP RUNNER S UP

E N D O F S E A S O N R E V I E W 2 01 5 -16 1

THANKS!

All Allthe the players players at at Leeds LeedsMedics Medics& &Dentists Dentists A.F.C A.F.C wish wish to to record record ourour gratitude gratitude for the for time, the time, efforteffort and dedication and dedication of the of League the League OfficersOfficers at YAML,atmembers YAML, members of Leagueof League CouncilCouncil and theand Referees. the Referees.

Without their Without hardtheir workhard we would not have workfootball we to play. wouldMany not thanks have football to play. to you all.

Many thanks to you all.

THE PRESIDENT’S PREMIER LEAGUE PAR ALLELS. I’ve just been awarded the title of “Cynic of the

other to achieve it and is committed to the really

Year” – but I bet there’s a catch.

hard graft and sacrifice that goes hand in hand with

Many of you will recognise that one-liner as the work of the master of the genre, Tim Vine.

I am pretty cynical about the values of top level professional football, and it is rare these days for amateur football to feel any resonance or connec-

that mental resilience.

That is not to underestimate the talent of the Leicester players, but if it were purely down to individual ability, one of the usual four or five “elite” clubs would be celebrating again.

tion with the monied, over-hyped bubble which we

Apparently one of Claudio Ranieri’s favourite phras-

call the English Premier League.

es is “volere e potere” – literally – “to want is to be

However, as I write, Leicester City has just won the title. They are deserved champions against all the odds (5000-1 actually), with a collection of players of which none were stars prior to the season’s start but who are now guaranteed legendary status in their Club, their city and way beyond.

If you wrote it as a fairy tale, most people would

able to do”. When someone wants something deeply and profoundly, then they will succeed in getting it. When EVERYONE feels like that, it is an incredibly powerful unifying influence in the dressing room and an incredibly powerful weapon out on the pitch.

I know that to be true – The Medics had it in our two Premiership winning sides in 2004-05 and 2008-09.

have said you were pushing the boundaries of

He has also been quoted as saying that his players

make-believe too far.

need to “stay hungry – every time a little more,

The resonance and the connection to ourselves (and others like us in grassroots football) is that their story proves everything really IS possible if everybody is committed to the same goal, is committed to each

a little higher; to stay solid, to improve, improve, improve.” That way, he says, teams win under pressure, when they need to and crucially, when they are expected to do so.

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However, speaking from a 1st team perspective,

individual performance. My admiration and respect

if we are all really honest, poor commitment to

for him as a player, leader and person, grows ever

availability on occasions when we needed it most,

stronger. He is a top man.

and a lack of hunger or inner strength maybe, of

There will be reference in the 1st team report of

collective passion and drive, when we were expected

all the players, and I do not have the space here

to or needed to win, let us down. As a consequence,

to gather all my personal reflections, so lack of a

we let slip a great chance to be competing for the

mention should not be adversely construed.

League title and a great route through to Cup glory as well – both of which our football talent would

However I would like to pay particular tribute to

have merited. We know though, to our cost, that

Cheeky (in his fourteenth season) for his enduring

talent alone is not enough at any level of sport.

quality and for never, ever giving less than the proverbial 110% to this Club on and off the pitch.

To go to the next stage (of winning trophies again) if we really want to - “every time a little more, a little

Mention also to Bryn, who had maybe not expected

higher” – we have to be hungrier than, and more

to feature recurrently. He has impressed me with his

committed to that ambition than our competitors

strength, quiet determination, and no little skill, fully

and not just applauded for the quality of our play,

meriting his regular place on the team-sheet.

our sportsmanship and integrity.

Johnathan has made himself available virtually

Too harsh? Well, maybe.

every week, a priceless commodity to captain and manager. He has been patient when on the bench

Yet I only say it because I want our current players

and determined to prove his worth (it involves a

to know what it is like to WIN, to get over the line

lot of pace!) when given a regular start which he

and enjoy the glorious moment of collective euphoria

merited through his commitment to the team. His

and shared achievement, knowing you have put

last two performances in particular have attracted

everything in to realize it, knowing you have earned

justified praise.

the right as a team to be called the best. There is nothing like it. It’s not the EPL but it’s the best WE

Sammy has oozed class in centre midfield all season

can do – and that’s really important.

and consequently has been on the rough end of challenges from the usual opposition suspects,

But wait a minute you cry! We are maybe going

perhaps riled by his hair-band, which I can

to finish in the top three or four positions for the

understand.

1sts and IIIrd team in their respective divisions and the Reserves have finished as runners-up in the

Two other final picks: Niall, whose goal-scoring

Championship. How can you suggest this is some

prowess may well merit the Club’s Golden Boot

kind of failure?

award but even more importantly, has also made himself a virtual ever-present, fully committed to

And I don’t. Really, honestly, truly, I don’t.

the cause, fit and mobile – a gem of a player this

The 1sts, under the terrific leadership of Hinchy,

season.

who epitomises dedication, competitiveness and

Finally, to John Forrest, belatedly following in his

organisation, have played some really fantastic

brother Neil’s footsteps as a Medics footballer. He

football for which we have received great plaudits

has provided a real focus to our attack, clever and

from opposition and neutrals alike. At Christmas,

experienced in and out of possession, allowing us

we were certainly the team to beat and in a way

to develop a positive 4-3-3 approach. Like Cheeky,

frustratingly showed what might have been with a

I trust there is life in the old dog yet, though we

cracking 3-3 draw with Champions Farsley at the

need to squeeze a few more games per season out

season’s end.

of him!

Sam has, along with coach Shaun, worked tirelessly

The Reserves under Paddy Knight had genuine

to improve our approach, preparation and style of

ambitions for a tilt at the Championship title and the

play whilst himself retaining a very high level of 3

Hancock Cup and/or District FA Cup. As it turned

from Harry in galvanising his players. In truth, for

out, St Nicholas FC pipped us as champions – though

a IVth team to survive for so long in this division

their only losses all season were the two defeats

is remarkable and we cannot and should not be

inflicted by our boys. Winning away at Beeston, (who

critical of the effort of the players, who I know gave

were competing with us to finish second,) which I

everything in the cause.

witnessed in truly shocking weather, was another

Let us hope it will provide an opportunity to regroup

great performance, full of determination and pride.

and kick on for a promotion challenge next time

The frustration then, is being beaten twice by a

around.

Batley side that will finish in the bottom two. The

Very briefly, the Intra-Mural season, switched to a

gap between the top three in the league – including

Sunday was disappointing and ultimately a literal

us - and the rest is huge. This is testament to

wash-out. The format for the next academic year

our quality, remembering ours is a Reserve side

seems in doubt and of concern.

competing against mainly 1st teams.

NAMS also proved disappointing for the boys on a

The “ones that got away” were the Cup competitions,

number of fronts. Having reached both Finals the

with winnable games slipping away all too easily,

previous time out, relatively early exits this time in

with Stanningley Reserves our conquerors in the 1st

Liverpool were chastening. It is now 14 years since

round of the Hancock Cup going on to win it (yet

our one and only success in this competition under

finishing way below us in the league.) St Nicholas

the inspirational captaincy of Stevie Slater - ironically

beat excellent West Yorkshire League opposition in

in Liverpool – and given our set up and quality, that

the District FA Cup Final – and yet we have already

is way too long.

shown our qualities against them.

It is not really my call, but I would suggest there

After last season’s dice with relegation, the pundits

needs to be some sort of rethink to our tactic in

had envisaged a similar tale this year for our IIIrd

this tournament, without needing to put at risk the

team. Has a phoenix ever been coloured orange –

essential element of team bonding and fun which

because the Tangerine Dream Team rose from the

is intrinsic to our approach to this great event. The

ashes superbly. After a faltering start, they put

class of 2002 got that balance right and I can still

together a fantastic run of form and will now finish

recall the fantastic phone call from Stevie telling

fourth or fifth, which would represent genuine

me of our success with a massive, recurring chorus

success. Massive credit to the captains and to all

of “We’ve only gone and won it! We’ve only gone

involved.

and won it!” drowning out his proud and emotional

Theirs was the classic blend of youth and experience

account. I would love to take that phone call again.

and on the occasions when I was able to get along

For The Pinks, it was a different story in Liverpool

in the season’s latter stages, they really impressed

– yet another win to add to their incredible record

me with their quality and organisation. That comes

of success in NAMS. I am unsure whether they

from the old lags such as Paul Hodgson (actually

have equalled or now surpassed the record of GKT

he just looks old..) and Gav, Jamie, Sam Miles and

victories, but either way, they are in the “top two”

Feebs, but it clearly was a team effort and again

with no other medical school coming close. They

invidious to pick people out for individual praise.

really have done Leeds proud.

Again, the “one that got away” was the Hodgson

It is a great story, but should come as no surprise,

Cup with a meek surrender in the semi-final to a

having come on the back of a season of real success

team way below us in status and the same fate

in the West Riding County Women’s League. Third

would befall the IVth team. We could, and should

place, and so close to promotion to the top division,

have had an all-Medics Cup Final.

represents a superb achievement after a period of

The IVth team also flirted with relegation last year

squad rebuilding the previous year.

and sadly it looks like the struggle this season

Their team spirit and togetherness has shone

has proved too much, despite really hard work

through against some opposition who might be 4

described as the female equivalents of Stanningley

There has to be an appetite to pledge your personal

or Grangefield!

support and loyalty and to encourage others to do likewise, recognising no-one can be available 100%

And so, what next?

of the time. That way everyone gets the benefit

As always with this Club, for both the men and

of belonging and the enhanced feel good factor

women, there will be people leaving to pursue their

associated with it. Team sport and this Club in

careers elsewhere, people stepping down related to

particular, is always about more than self interest:

increased family commitments or the ravages of age

it is about shared and collective experience, and

and infirmity, plus the impact of Electives on our

about pride in what and who you represent.

pre-season preparation and early season availability.

There also has to be an ambition to “stay hungry –

Recruitment over the last couple of years in

every time a little more, a little higher” – to go back

particular, is a major and increasing concern for me

to the Leicester City reference.

amongst medical and dental students. I am fearful

Two years without silverware for the men in Saturday

that the unique spirit and sense of belonging, on

football: is that what we have settled for now, going

which everything depends, will not to be passed

forwards?

down in time-honoured fashion, because there will be too few to pass it on to. That critical mass, year

Ultimately that comes down to you, the players. You

on year, is what provides any club with its longevity.

rightly take the plaudits when success comes along but you also have a responsibility to ensure further

We also need some broad assurances around

success and indeed the very existence of the Club,

current players’ commitment when planning for next

by “giving back” as well as “taking out.”

season.

A new committee will form (hopefully retaining

I sense we are approaching a crossroads in the

some of the current members) and at some point

history of the Club. For me, it has felt much harder

a succession plan will be needed for when I step

work to “keep the show on the road” this season,

down, too. That should not be a big issue if everyone

(and the captains may feel the same) though from

steps up to the plate by way of ensuring availability,

the outside, anyone looking at the record of the

ensuring that the key secretarial functions, so

Club would not see that, running four teams with

capably performed by Sam Miles and Alex Cairns

generally very healthy league positions etc.

continue to run smoothly and by addressing the

For me, this might disguise some concerning trends

recruitment issues.

or lend a false sense of security, when failure to

In the VERY short term, I’m not sure about you, but

act or respond to key issues such as recruitment,

I need a short break from football, to re-charge the

commitment and availability can have a really

batteries before pre-season.

damaging effect on team and Club morale, spirit and even its very existence.

I’m reminded of a classic Groucho Marx dialogue with a woman on an American chat show in the

There is a list of over 60 now defunct clubs in the

early 1960’s:

Yorkshire Amateur League and its forerunner, the Yorkshire Old Boys League. That tells me that the

Woman: I have 10 children.

tipping point can arrive quickly and lethally, often

GM: Why do you have 10 children?

from a position of apparent comfort.

Woman: Because I love my husband.

If you give to the Club by way of your commitment, the Club will give you far more back in return, with

GM: I love my cigar, but I take it out of my mouth

respect to lifelong friendships, networking and

once in a while…”

support, even as a non-medic. Ask any of our ex-

I love this Football Club, but once in a while ….

players who will be coming back to our Alumni Dinner in September, in many cases years or even

Enjoy tonight in time honoured fashion, but please

decades after the end of their playing career.

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think on, when you’re sober, about the challenges to

mine is a Bombay Sapphire, slim-line tonic and a

us all that I have outlined in this Programme opener.

squeeze of lime.........Some things never change.

And whilst you’re about it, now that you’ve asked:

SJL.

A warm welcome to our League CEO Tony Gaunt on his final season & Tony’s wife, Anne.

We intend to show the Club’s gratitude for his outstanding leadership with a simple presentation later in the evening.

Welcome also to League Secratery Rishard Asher and Richards wife, Nicola, alongside League Treasurer Tony Lewis and Tony’s wife, Christine.

LMDAFC really appreciate all your hard work throughout the season and we hope you enjoy our particular style of celebration...

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1S T TE AM R EP ORT THE AR S ENAL OF YAML? I’ve tried to think of something different to say from

Lukasz: One of, if not the best keepers in the

last year but you can almost rewrite it word for word

league and definitely the best that we’ve had at the

based on our performances being similar year on

club whilst I’ve been here. If the rumours are true

year. We’ve lost to the best, drawn with the average

and this is to be your final year then you will be a

and beaten the worst (like Arsenal), yet still find

great miss.

ourselves in the top 4, hopefully top 3.

Hugh: Made the left back spot your own and you

The margins of winning this league are so fine,

certainly haven’t looked out of place. Always wants

that give or take a couple of results can decide

the ball and covers a lot of ground in every game.

on whether you finish in the top 2 or mid table,

Bryn: Old school centre back (playing at right back)

which is exactly what’s happened to us. Reverse the

that kicks, heads and tackles. Settled in to the first

losses against Alwoodley, or turn the draws against

team well and will hopefully push on next year.

Grangefield or Trinity in to wins and we would be

Lloydy: Gradually moved his way back from up

finishing in the top 2.

front, to right mid, to right back. Probably be a

I only say this because on paper these are games

centre back next. Get yourself fit and come back

that we should have won and we only have ourselves

strong next season.

to blame. I thought that we’d turned a corner against

Jacko: Absent since October, presumed missing.

Stanningley when we played them at home (as they were also pushing for the league at the that point)

Cheeky: The evergreen Ashmore continues to be

but it seemed to be to no avail the following week.

a consistent performer week on week. Both playing

When we got it right, we were very, very good,

football and giving out abuse. Thank you for all of

from front to back, left to right (the first half against

your help and advice throughout the year, it certainly

Farsley at home being an example) and when we

hasn’t gone unnoticed.

got it wrong, we got it oh so wrong (the full game

Sammy: Absolute quality 90% of the time (touch,

against Wigton in the cup – I daren’t break it down

fitness, tackling, heading etc) and then goes and

to be honest). To cut a long story short, we were

does something stupid like missing a 1-1 (easy) or

consistently too inconsistent.

attempting and overhead bicycle kick.

So what for next year? If everyone can be more

Adam: A good addition to the side that made the

available regularly then what’s to stop us winning it?

midfield selections competitive. He scored some

We have great facilities, a great coach and a good

crackers too I might add. Quite a hothead as well:

manager in Steve so why not.

just ask his brother.

The only thing stopping us, is us.

Monk: Great year yet again and continues to get

I’d like to thank Steve (and Jan!) for all of their help,

better with age, keep it up!

advice and hospitality. A big thank you to Shaun

Kieran: Settling in to first team life pretty well

for coaching week in week out, the sessions were

and has played a number of positions which is the

always beneficial. And finally, to the players. We

problem when you’re so versatile. Never look out of

have a great group, that will hopefully go a couple

place in any of them.

of steps further in the not too distant future. Enjoy

Jack H: Similar to Kieran in the sense that you

tonight and see you in the summer.

never looked at of place for the ones. You do the

Hinch

basic things really well which make no mistake, is a huge compliment.

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Dave: Best year to date, a talented player that plays

pleasure to play with.

both short and long. Hits a decent ball and is strong,

Johnathan: Absolutely rapid and made a worthwhile

physical player.

contribution at the back end of the season. Must be

Robbo: Best year to date in my opinion. Clinical in

a fair weather player!

front of goal and seems to have gained a yard of

Jack S: When it rains it pours and that was certainly

pace as well.

the case when Jack scored… tricky part was actually

Brad: A skilful player with pace in abundance.

getting him to do so. Great player and I hope you’re

Fingers crossed for better availability next season.

around for next year.

Forrest: Great return of goals for his first year, most

Jake: Another Uni boy and another great addition

of which were from utilising his pace and trickery. In

to the side who can hopefully be available more for

all seriousness a great addition to the squad and a

2016/2017.

A big “Thank You” to Steve Beever for his continued support for the Football Club. In particular we would like to show our appreciation for his kit sponsorship of our teams in the Yorkshire Amateur League.

Once again Steve has also kindly covered the costs of the printing and production of this programme.

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GRIFF-A KEY ROLE AS PHYSIO IN OUR BACKROOM STAFF This season as in every other season, we have been really grateful for the time, effort and skill Darren has put in on our behalf, to allow our injured players to return to competitive action as quickly as possible.

He provides really prompt access to his clinic at The Fountain Medical Centre in Morley, my fomer Practice, for assessment and treatment planning.

It makes a massive difference to recovery times and crucially to recurrence rates of injury, if his advice is taken and acted upon.

The key is early input as soon after injury as possible. He is really thorough and is a very good sports physio, with his work with Leeds United Academy testament to that.

As a player of distinction and passion for us over many seasons, he still takes an active interest in our progress and is really happy to give something back in this way to the Club he loves.

The arrangement is that the Club is billed £20 per consultation (a VERY modest preferential and exclusive rate for us) and the player will pay half of that, with the club paying the other half. No other local club could manage to provide its players with such a service and I am particularly grateful for Griff’s support and service to us. I know that every player who has needed that service would echo my appreciation wholeheartedly.

SJL

THANKS!

A massive thank you to all of our captains and the commitment they’ve shown throughout the season: 1S T TE AM

Sam Hinchliffe

4TH TE AM

Harry Dixon &

2ND TE AM

Paddy Knight &

S TUDENT TE AM

Jack Heliwell &

3R D TE AM

Alex Feben, Gav

Jack Heliwell

GIR L S 1S T TE AM

Scott & Phill Antill

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Vas Giannoudis

Kieran Wardman Misha Gaur & Allison Winarski

AL AN SALTER’S FOND GOODBYE...

If you’re just flicking though reading this at the

The one thing all the teams I’ve played for have

Dinner, stop reading and go fork-lime someone. If

had in common is an immense team spirit, with that

you’re hungover and have found this in the pocket

amazing mix of students and doctors (plus the odd

of the jacket you picked up by mistake, then please

rogue teacher) playing alongside each other. I was

read on.

very fortunate as student captain to have a golden crop of freshers with the likes of Dowsett, Jonno,

It still seems strange to think this will be my last

Bzeu, Feebs and Joel Morley emerging - plus Evo

‘proper’ season playing for the mighty LMDAFC - it

and Marriott clinging to their youth in 2nd year (or

really has been the most amazing 11 years - ELEVEN

1st year in the case of Evo - his SSC did him over

YEARS!!

there). But since then there have been plenty more

Sending out a hopeful ‘is anyone needing a sub this

bumper years (Brad et al and Nige et al stand out for

Sat’ back in September 2005 to Keen Steve was

me), and every year the club have helped to bring

definitely a good decision.

through the next generation of freshers.

Despite the inevitable ups and downs of footy, on

That continuous cycle of new players coming through

the field I’ve been lucky to have played in some

is great for the football club in YOBL, but when I

great teams for the 4s, 3s and most recently the

look back at my highlights of being involved with the

2s. Led by the likes of Ben Whelan, Barmy, Jonesy,

club, so many of them happened off the pitch.

Timpson, Dowsett and most recently Paddy, we’ve

There is no way I could list them all, but hopefully a

won plenty of Hodgson and Hancock Cups, as well

as the Senior B title in 2013 (I won’t talk about pens

couple of these will jog some of your memories…

at NAMS). And like anyone who has played for the

Us all laughing at some luggage falling onto the

medics for more than a couple of seasons, they’ll

runway of Dublin airport as we arrived for NAMS

tell you that there is nowhere better to take three

in 2008. Hang on, I think that’s… SHIT THAT’S MY

points from than the likes of Hough Top and Cardinal

BAG!

Square. When Nick Turnbull got a last minute winner against Beeston on our way to the title in 2013, the

Golfballing someone’s 2 pint stein at the German

fact we were playing a bunch of scrotes made it that

market - with Jonjo looking on in his tux

bit sweeter. This season we even tried to offer an

Pursglove kicking the shit out of a car packed full

‘olive branch’ to them, with Timpson, Dowsett and

of chavs on the touchline as they drove off with a

Aldo taking the lead by politely asking their views on

match ball. I miss Fearnville.

current affairs and thorny political issues. Responses were mixed at best.

10

Various shoeboats

It stays with us all through the friends we make, and our careers as we progress. I’ll be starting work

Ahhh, stickies

as a GP in August - one of the GP Partners was a

A very skinny Brad turning up for his first ever game

medic footballer in his FY1 year during my first year

for the medics as a Fresher at Fearnville - in bright

of uni.… the cycle continues!

pink boots - and getting rinsed by the entire team.

And of course, each and every one of us should be

He had the last laugh though, what a player.

so grateful for the work that Ledger has done and

And of course the ‘Black Sheep’ night feat. a lamb

continues to do, most of which behind the scenes.

burger, Roberto Baggio and Sgt. Fletcher

This club is what it is today because of him. Cheers Steve.

Although I’m sad to be taking a step back from playing (probably best to keep me registered for

That’s enough from me… I’ll sign off there and have

emergency 11am Saturday morning dropouts), this

a great night

club is the most incredible thing to be involved with.

Go’ed the Boizz

RESERVE TEAM SEASON REPORT Following on from an up- turn in form after Christmas

defining moments. A chance that’s taken, a poor

last season and beating the drop, The Reserves

refereeing decision, a costly mistake – any of them

headed into the new campaign with renewed hope,

can have a big impact and 2015/16 was to be no

a new Captain and a new – slightly snug for some

different for The Twos. Racking up two losses at

– kit. After a tentative opening day draw against

relegation threatened Batley is a terrible way to miss

eventual title challengers Beeston The II’s began to

out on a title. It’s a shame there wasn’t a chance

gel and coming into November the train had built

from a couple of yards out with the away game tied.

up a head of steam – picking up six wins on the

Determined to finish strong The Two’s Train geared

bounce. (Whilst unceremoniously going out of both

up again and have put together a nice run of results,

Cups in depressingly limp fashion – but we can gloss

including beating the eventual champions home and

over that: Cups are for mugs)

away – and will finish second just 3 points off the

An uncharacteristic wobble either side of Christmas

title should we secure a win on the last day of the

had opened up a little space at the top, handing St

season.

Nick’s an edge. As was seen in many games over the

Player Reviews:

course of the season, and in the title race as a whole, the squad had strengthened its soft underbelly of

Rakaan – Another solid season for Rak. Growing

last year and refused to give up the chase. The

ever more resilient to Timpson’s ‘constructive

will to win was exemplified by a dramatic late

criticism’. Commands his box (Keeper, Keeper,

winner away to Beeston in horrendous conditions –

Keeper) and distribution to make a young Andy

although sideways falling hail was a mere sideshow

Emmerson proud.

to sideways Jack scoring a late header to clinch the

Dowsett – Two’s legend. Part of the thinking man’s

points.

back four, forming a formidable (and somewhat

Over the course of any title race there are season

intimate) partnership with Joe Timpson. Season cut

11

short due to international commitments (forecast for

The Apprentice.

sort of uncomfortable looking selfies May-July) and

Fraser – Provided real attacking intent and quality

calling time on his illustrious Medic’s career when he

from the wing that had been lacking after the de-

leaves for pastures new. Long throws, clipped balls

parture of Evo (also lacking prior to the departure of

down the line and a big name all to be replaced in

Evo). Questionable pizza / sauce tekkers.

the summer.

Maxwell – After months of subterfuge and scout-

Timpson – Like a fine (full bodied) wine, Timpson

ing, Nick was finally poached from The Tangerine

continues to improve with age. Never shy to share

Dream for games during the run in. A strong show-

an opinion. Helps keep up appearances for most

ing in the final games would suggest he’ll make the

middle class team in the league. Usually found

list of centre mids unceremoniously taken from the

between Dowsett and Aldo, discussing politics like

threes in recent years.

civilised gents should.

Sverrir – Svez continues to mature on the pitch,

Aldo – A man mountain and Rolls Royce of a

transforming kick-outs to aggression and leading

defender. Calm, composed and always keen to give

the line well. Vindicated a move from the wing early

his all for the II’s. Another excellent season, the

in the season with a strong goals return again. Lures

highlight of which was being accused of being Yvette

the opposition into a false sense of security by often

Cooper’s son after asking the opposition what they

appearing to not know what day it is.

thought of her Labour leader candidacy.

Salter – Continues to bang in goals like a man half

Chris P – Carrying on where he left off last season

his age. Improved availability this year has been a

Chris P has terrorised The Championship with

blessing. Rumours of retirement are a concern for

marauding runs from full back. The real contribution

next year.

is undoubtedly his skills on the decks. Who would’ve thought that the star of spice girls NAMSeoke last

McGahan – A stop start season for The Black Ava-

year would be firing the boiz up with Craig David at

lanche. Obviously plenty to offer but availability is-

Stanningley away.

sues and troublesome tonsils have limited his time on the pitch. Potential successor to Dowsett at right

Evo – Heart and soul of The Two’s and up contender

back to ensure its weightiness persists.

for nicest man in YOBL. Managed to pull of the ever elusive Evo turn and score in the same match. Many

Isaac – Very dutifully filled in towards the end of

have called for him to retire after such a feat but

the season and made some key contributions. Also

lack of planning ahead (shock) means that he’ll

brought along Lu for the 5-1 demolition of Stanning-

be in Leeds for another season. Rightly so after

ley. Good lad.

abandoning a title challenge to go travelling.

Cousin Emms – Of obviously fine footballing stock.

Sideways – The Apprentice. Strong season for

Unfortunately did not inherit the ‘being available on

Jack, adding passing forwards, cynical fouls and be-

Saturday’ gene. One for the future if he’s ever in

rating referees to his repertoire. Shone both in his

Leeds.

native central midfield and showing signs of a young

It is with heavy heart that my short tenure at the

David Beckham when played out wide – decent de-

Club is coming to an end. From being introduced to

livery, quite slow, annoying voice.

the club by Josh Marriott (the week that changed

Kieron – The Hobo was unquestionably a key factor

my life, don’t you know?) to leaving pastures new

in our early season form. A real box to box midfield-

will be cherished, gin soaked, hazy memories. But

er and chipped in with important goals. Started to

fret not dear boiz, I’ll be in Leeds in spirit always

hold on to the ball too long and so was duly shipped

– when there’s a late tackle, I’ll be there. When

off to the ones.

there’s an overpriced bottle of Jaeger to be bought, I’ll be there. When there’s a dubious girl pulled, I’ll

El Capitan – Managed to swap running for shouting

be there. We go again, and now we lift.

knowing that starting was now guaranteed. Season curtailed by a horrendous tackle at NAMS. Mentor to 12

Still the highest ranking club with three or more teams in the Yorkshire Amateur League. We are proud to be the only club with a team in each of the top four divisions, for over a decade.

The Numbers above represent the overall league positions of each team in the Yorkshire Amateur League. Number 1 being top of the Premier Division and number 89 being bottom of Division 6.

OFFICIALLY THE STRONGEST CLUB IN THE LEAGUE F IR S T TE AM

R ESERVE TE AM

THIR D TE AM

TOTAL

F OURTH TE AM

Leeds Medics and Dentists FC

4

12

26

42

44

Alwoodley FC

3

14

62

79

Ealandians FC

2

50

66

118

Morley Town FC

16

42

79

137

Shire Academics

15

59

74

148

Old Batelians

21

45

83

149

Thornesians

18

56

78

152

Leeds City OB

48

60

88

196

C LUB

13

86 89

YORKSHIRE AMATEUR LEAGUE ANNUAL PRESENTATION EVENING Thursday 2nd June 7:30pm at Farsley Celtic Football Club, LS28 5BE. As League President, Steve will be presenting the awards...

A NEW LIFE AND AN FA CUP WINNERS MEDAL! Almost exactly a year this week the Foskers

The only analogy I can think of is it’s a bit like

relocated to Bermuda. Most of you know the story

what I’d imagine playing for and against Chapel

but the very brief version is; after 18 seasons living

Town Brazil at the top of their game week in week

the LMDAFC life to the full it was time for a change

out. Knackering! The average crowd is about 200

so we jumped ship and landed in Bermuda.

and when we won the FA Cup final at the national stadium there was reported to be just around 800

After all those years with the Medics it did feel a little

there. A bit different from Hough Top!!!!!!

bit unfaithful to find a new club out here but knowing the football scene from many years of visiting it

Electives.

seemed a really good way to properly get involved

All welcome. Now that Quinny is trying to retire over

into ‘real’ Bermudian life and meet a few people. It’s

in Australia it seems only fair to offer an alternative!

turned out to be all that and more. They like their

Anyone wanting to come over is more than welcome.

football here and the premiership is a pretty decent

Bermuda is an amazing place to visit and I can offer

standard. I think I sneaked into the first team purely

a similar timetable to the great John Quinn. It’s also

down to those ‘5 yards in the head’. There’s some

a short hop to the East Coast of the U.S. I also

exceptionally skilful players here (3 of our squad

work over in Boston at the Harvard affiliate hospitals

have played a few seasons in the Conference) but

of Dana Farber and Brigham and Women’s Hospital

the manager stuck me in to add a bit of ‘an old

which are adjacent to Mass General where another

hand’, and that ‘English style’. Our coach is an ex-

alumni works, Malcolm Smith. I’ve spoken to Malcolm

pro (Kyle Lightbourne) but surprisingly there’s quite

about it and anyone wanting to spend some time in

a lot of similarities with Ledger! Constant talking and

both places would be more than welcome to do a

tweaking!

joint elective with both of us (Malcolm is the Chief

Pre-season was brutal, we started in August when it

of the Orthopaedic Trauma team and an assoc. Prof

was about 30 degrees and 95% humidity with drills

at Harvard.)

on the beach! I was wondering if the old legs were

I’ll be over for the alumni in Sept so hopefully catch

really up to it but once the actual football started

most of you then.

it felt much more familiar. In some senses anyway.

Fosk

14

DARING TO (TANGERINE) DREAM AGAIN...

FEEBS: It all began after an interesting season in 2014-2015. An incredibly ropey start was rescued by the laying of the foundations of this season’s squad. Paul H was coerced out of retirement and the beating heart of the fourth team circa 2010 was convinced that their only guarantee of a starting place was a new home in the Threes.

New spine in-situ, the Tangerine dared to dream again as title winning form in the second half of the season meant they avoided relegation and could look forward to this season. All that hard masonry looked set for demolition however, with no-one willing to take the helm in Bryn’s absence.

After a quiet word at a summer barbeque and a flurry of texts, the void answered. Gav threw his name into the barren hat alongside Pukey (though he seems to have snuck it out since, but never mind) and the rest is history.

GAV: A group of senior players thought they would take the reins this season, and so the Fellowship of the Threes was born. There was a good mixture of young and experienced YOBL players in our team this season, all with a lot to prove after last year’s narrow avoidance of relegation; only matched by the narrow miss of the season before and the season before that. The season started brightly and has continued to gather pace. Consistency of players and a regularly full squad were reflected in results. Hopefully, it will end in a season high of fourth in Division 1 for the Thirds.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to bring that form into the Cups; in both competitions we were knocked out by teams in embarrassingly low divisions. If, and that’s a big ‘if’, we can keep a hold of the spine of the squad that’s done so well this season, I can only see a bright future. That may be difficult however, especially with the loss of two legends of the Thirds. It’s an end of an era for Alex Feben and Phil Antill who are off to pastures new. One player that will be missed and the other is Feben. Luckily Febes does not take things literally and knows this is a joke.

15

Marc Fadden (The Adonis) – Due to work

steroids, Steve is new to the Threes this year. With

commitments has been less available this season

a penchant for playing ‘to me - to you passes’ with

and there has been a noticeably large void in the

the opposition earlier in the season, as the year

changing rooms when he is absent. Has been as

progressed Steve has begun to look dangerous both

reliable as ever when called upon; reliably lending

in attack and defence... a threat to both team’s

his experience, commanding the back four, breaking

goals. Steve has grown into the team and the back

opposition bones, banana kicking goal kicks, and

four, becoming a vital cog in our well-oiled defending

saving every shot he shouldn’t whilst letting in the

machine.

one he should. As one of LMDAFC’s much loved

Olasunkami Olagunju - The Barry Chuckle to

veteran servants, there will always be a suitably

Steve’s Paul, Ola has performed at a consistently

sizable (5 bed) home for him in the Threes.

‘interesting’ standard for the first five minutes of

Tim Griffiths – A new fledgling tangerine dreamer

every game this year, like a new born calf struggling

with the attitude of an expert bird of notable

to find his feet. However, like the calf, he soon

reflexes and catching ability. Whilst his confidence

evolves into a bull, turning defending into an art

(read arrogance) is (unfortunately) only occasionally

form and keeping attackers at bay with ferocious

misplaced, when he has come undone it has been

ease. He is new to the 3’s this year and has been an

very entertaining for all watching. Has served The

important part of our defensive success. Hopefully,

Dream well this year and got stuck in on and off the

both the Chuckles will be with us for years to come.

pitch. He will undoubtedly be called up to the upper

Brad Lander – Another newbie. Showed notable

echelons more befitting of his opinion of himself

talent in his regrettably few outings. I’m not sure if

next year. No less than he deserves, but he will be

anyone else has noticed, but I’m pretty sure he used

missed.

to play for the Uni team at some stage. Rumoured

Nick Stow – Has only played a few games this year

to own university gear for every occasion and to be

but hasn’t put a foot wrong when he has. Expect

self-funding the new merchandise store; has all the

him to become a more notorious name in the club in

makings of a second teamer according to the book

years to come.

of Ferg.

Phil Antill – The absent captain. In true Pukey style,

Paul Hodgson – Fat Gandalf. Unfortunately, Poodle

stepped up to the mark when he heard the Threes

don’t make kits big enough for this essential member

were in desperate need of a helmsman. In equally

of The Fellowship of the Threes. Has swapped pace

predictable fashion, found himself less available

stats for mass in Third Team Top Trumps but has

through work, baby, wife and life commitments as

been ever reliable in his defensive and penalty

the season wore on. No less talented in his later

taking duties. Shared the load of the captaincy on

years than he was in his heyday, he has eventually

his formidable shoulders and served as kindling for

managed to play on the right side of the pitch, a

the relighting of the Third Team fire. Embarrassingly,

true legend of the club. Almost 15 years of service

our third top goalscorer.

unfortunately come to an end this year. Has served

Bryn

well across all four teams when required and has

Thomas

–

Treacherous,

spineless,

overambitious little Iscariot that he is, Bryn was a

some deserved silverware to halfway commemorate

profound loss to us this season. Will hopefully see

his unmatched dedication. Will be sorely missed.

The Light, and become a more devout disciple of

Lee Onion - Spring has been in more positions then

The Fellowship next year.

a Dutch lady of the night this year. Our very own

Andrew Legg – Off on a wayward, midlife-crisis

Phil Neville, he’s played all across the back four, in

jaunt to New Zealand for the first half of the season

goal, and left wing (we were desperate), all whilst

and too busy progressing his career for the second,

sporting a beard any wildling would be proud of.

he was pretty much AWOL for the entire season. Put

Able to moan as consistently as Fergus, Spring has

in enough appearances to warrant a mention. But

been pivotal in our improved performances this year.

nothing more than that.

Steve Njoukam - Essentially Paul Chuckle on 16

Neil Devlin – My text messages with Neil read like

stalwart this season, adding steel, a receding hair

that of a desperately obvious, unrequited lover after

line, and grit to the centre midfield (and occasionally

a one-night stand. At first he was keen, but after

right back). Potentially world class, if he passed the

got what he wanted from me, he politely custard-

ball one second earlier he would undoubtedly be

pied me with excuses before outright blanking me

plying his trade in the upper echelons of the football

without as much as a goodbye; after that, I text

league. As it is he doesn’t and therefore isn’t.

him with even greater frequency just to see if he’d

Jamie Rowley - Considering he can’t actually

eventually tell me to “fuck off”.

kick a ball, Jamie has had another effective season

Matt Reid – The Basilisk. Old one-eye. The

in central midfield. Not so much the Robin to his

Appendage. DJ’s Rival. The Serpant’s Tamer. The

midfield partner’s Batman, but more like the Alfred.

Weapon of Ass Destruction - Special skill “the Cross

He has put his aging body on the line all season.

Shot” - Affectionately known as Mr Wang, this left

Suffers from regular nosebleeds when he ventures

back was not blessed with spectacular pace, but is

outside of the centre circle and inexplicably gives up

endowed with other attributes. A trusty left foot has

possession. At least he has learnt to strike something

provided stability to our back four whilst providing

this year, even if it wasn’t a ball.

a Roberto Carlos-esque threat from corners and

Callum Poyser – Back from his time yonder, he

freekicks; a 50 year-old Roberto Carlos.

fitted back into the Three’s like he had never left.

Danny Briscoe - Danny appears to have discovered

Added some much needed aerial prowess to our

the secret to immortality, this modern day Dorian

hobbited midfield. Cultured in possession but

Grey is actually the oldest member of The Tangerine.

perhaps more suited to less agricultural style of

Rumours that he hunts down freshers for hamstrings

football; or at least an extra’s spot in Dallas Buyer’s

to replace those he burns out prowling the wings of

Club. Washed his fair share of kits and an all-round

Yorkshire fields are unsubstantiated. He has an eye

nice lad according to Paul and Febes.

for goal and likes to get to the bye line; unfortunately,

Alex Feben – Feebs or Febis started his time with

his other eye doesn’t like the goal and the result is

the Firsts and Seconds but quickly found his level in

that he fairly consistently just runs over the bye line.

the third team. He was captain through a number

Tom McBride – Another newborn and another

of successful seasons and picked up a Hodgson

Geordie. Talented enough to scare Febes into

Cup winners medal on three occasions. Not quite as

thinking he’d lose his left wing birth so much so that

prolific as in previous seasons, but still a legend in

he faked an injured hamstring until Tom became

every sense of the word. Unafraid to make difficult

unavailable through University holiday’s and exam

decisions, including much needed substitutions

pressures. Noticeably absent in the latter stages

of himself - clearly no longer able to maintain the

of the season, so can only take a small amount of

ten pint Friday system he had previously operated

credit in our success this season. Fortunately, ever-

under. Still topped the assists chart and third in goals

reliable Febes was there to fill the void.

scored numerically, but adds more in spirit than can be measured in

Sam Miles – Stato. The Joker in the pack. Ostensibly,

numbers. The Three’s

a fugitive of Interpol. This Donny lad offsets his

will have to learn how

diminutive form with a belligerent presence in

to play without a head

midfield. Claims to cover the ground of two Rowleys,

next season when he’s

three Pauls and seven Fergs, and has the stats to

gone.

back it up. Is liable to spontaneously combust at any given misplaced pass, bad touch, or late tackle.

Keeps tabs on everything LMDAFC but brought out empty water bottles because he “panicked”. Where’s your head at? Probably in his big bag of heads.

Gav Scott – Thankfully stepped up to captain the shepherd-less flock of last season. Gav has been a 17

Nick Maxwell – In his second year now. Many

Fergus Machin – After years on top, he was

an opposing player would have you believe that

knocked off his perch by a new member in the

Nick is a prick. That’s not for us to judge, but we

Threes. Just about held on to top goalscorer

are confident his shins are a magnet for many an

however, but dropped to a one in three goal:games

athletically challenged defender (*cough* Hinchy

ratio to match his funny:shit jokes. Improved his

*cough*) and he’ll piss off at least 11 players per

laziness stats to score top marks in an increasingly

game (*cough* Hinchy *cough*). Known throughout

competitive category and mastered standing on the

the division as “Maxwell”, this misattributed first

half-way line alone with his arms crossed. Still rocks

name was the source of much mirth for the plebs

the biggest nose…

of Yorkshire. He did single handily win a number of

Callum Craven - special ability - ‘missing the

games for us, especially at the start of the season,

goal when its next to impossible’. Midget Callum

and has a promising career ahead of him in the

is an attack minded mutt; spawny, tenacious and

medics set up - presuming he has any legs left.

persistent in equal measures. He is the type of man

Third top goalscorer.

who would eat pizza from the crust inwards (not

Kev Darley – The Flake. Guaranteed to assure

wrong per say, just a tad unusual). His displays,

you of his availability only to be double booked at

when not nursing a phantom injury, have borne

a last minute wedding. Another new recruit, literally

plentiful fruit for the Thirds this year. When he has

heartbroken to not have played more this season,

not been playing, his bark, and bite, have been

even when he did; added an unmatched strength

missed by those of us with a gentler nature. If his

and presence to the attacking line. Can strike the

goalscoring had been as prolific as his mouth, we’re

ball with professional ability at every tenth attempt.

pretty sure we would have won the league, and he

Has shot up to third top goalscorer in only a handful

might have just snatched third top goalscorer.

of games.

FEEBS speaking again. This is my last season at the club for now. It is unfortunately, time to go home.

Finding out I had a job in London next year was very much a bittersweet moment for me. I shall miss Leeds. But it’s this football club, as sad as it may sound, that I shall miss the most. More accurately, it’s the people in it. I’m not going to bore with too much nostalgia; you were all there, you should remember; and if you don’t, then that just grants me more poetic licence next time I’m regaling the stories. My nine years have been fun from start to finish. I played a lot of football and enjoyed a reasonable degree of success in the process. More notably, I met some great people, and was granted an indescribable group of friends for my time in Leeds, and likely for the rest of my life.

The Tangerine was to be my home for the majority of my tenure here, but my first ever game was somehow for the Firsts. Here I was introduced to some notorious Ledger man-management, granted a 15-minute cameo on a typical October afternoon. If memory serves, that was to be my longest ever run-out for the Firsts. I moved through all five teams over time, and slowly graduated from a more linesman based role to captaincy of both Student and Third teams. Whether I would ever have kept my starting place without the armbands is a question that remains unanswered.

Schooled by the likes of Barmey, JP, Pukey, and others too innumerable to name, I was eventually coerced into captaincy by Jonesy. I proudly, and humbly, watched many young talents, and lovely people, such as Kieran, Svez, Aldo, and Niall come through our folds, and hopefully imbued them with the spirit of the Threes. Even though these guys now play in slightly more talented, albeit less enjoyable environments, I know they still bleed Tangerine. I have to admit, the spirit waned with the retirement of the Third team core, but I’m happy to see it back in force, rejuvenated by the likes of Gav, Jamie, Fergus, and Paul; this season’s performances are a testament to that fact.

18

NOW WELL INTO THE S ECOND DEC ADE: MA S SI VE APPR ECI AT ION FOR S TE VE BEE VER .

Steve, it seems, is the gift that keeps on giving, to

things would never get done.

coin a phrase, and I am still pinching myself that

Naturally, by the end of the evening, Steve is suit-

this is the case.

ably mellow, benevolent and in cheque-signing

It is almost impossible, in his 12th year of sponsor-

mood. Medicine, the business world and football

ship, to find new ways of expressing how brilliant

are put to rights and the club is secure for another

Steve has been in supporting LM&D AFC and how

year by the time we all pile into the back of a taxi,

generous in spirit, word and deed he is, in his role

replete and content.

as sponsor.

Another year of real pressure on all companies, an

As mentioned in previous tributes, Steve and

ever more competitive environment to operate in,

I meet up a few times every year with Francis

further development of his new business model,

“Panchi” Carral , a very good mutual friend (and

expansion of his products into new retail outlets,

one of my GP partners) in a decent restaurant

including Harvey Nic’s, has meant he would have

somewhere. An aperitif, a good bottle of wine or

every reason to step down from his commitment

two and usually a nightcap are part of the evening

to us.

as we enjoy seafood and steak, catch up with each

That he has not, speaks volumes about his gener-

others news and a progress report on the Football

osity of spirit. He seems to like us, and what we

Club. I normally get the p--- taken out of me at

stand for and he is happy to associate his brand

some point, though heaven alone knows why –

with ours.

it never happens anywhere else, does it George, Sammy or Cheeky?

Not that there is any kudos in that for Steve; there are plenty more ways that he could attract more

As men do, we are usually able to agree on a num-

high profile publicity should he wish to do so. But

ber of key issues over the course of the evening.

he does see how our Club contributes to the de-

For example:

velopment of young people into becoming good

• A married man should forget his mistakes.

professionals, with the inherent values of team-

There’s no use in two people remembering

work and the “work hard, play hard” ethic which

them.

we espouse, as a break from the ever increasing stresses of working in the NHS today.

• A women always has the last word in any argument; anything a man says after that, is the

I am sure he will be very proud of our current fan-

start of a new argument.

tastic crop of finalists and soon to be doctors (my fingers are firmly crossed).

• A fool and his money are lucky to get together in the first place.

I have witnessed first hand this week, the pressure Steve works under, how hard he has to strive,

• Why have scientists slaved for years to pro-

the hours and the miles he has to put in, to make

duce a sheet of material one atom thick, when

Beever Hair and City Gent a success.

the makers of bin bags beat them to it years ago?

And them here am I, a now retired GP, badgering him (very gently!) about how we need to crack on

• The reason why men drink more alcohol than

with the graphic design, compilation and printing

women is because the women have to drive

of this Programme! Steve, I’m sure could have

home.

done without that like a hole in the head, but he

• Wine improves with age: the older we get, the

never obviously lost his cool or his “no problem”

more we like it.

persona. What he said about me after I put the phone down, is another matter!

• If it wasn’t for the last minute, an awful lot of 19

NOW WELL INTO THE S ECOND DEC ADE: MA S SI VE APPR ECI AT ION FOR S TE VE BEE VER .

You will all know that he has bought all our Saturday

I’m delighted to see one

kits for us, so the Beever logo on the shirt fronts

NAMS trophies back with us tonight. The Pinks have

sits proudly alongside the skull and crossbones

done Steve proud again in Liverpool and no doubt

emblem. They are proud partners as we play across

he will re-present the trophy back to the winning

West Yorkshire, not just football ambassadors but

captain.

missionaries spreading the Beever gospel to all

of the Beever donated

Twelve years is a helluva long time to have the

mullet-sporting lads in Batley, Elland and Wakefield

privilege of Steve’s contribution and he has never

etc. where a good haircut and good hair products

sought compliments or recognition for it: he is simply

are so clearly hard to find, if the evidence on the

a very generous man (and not just to us, either) and

pitch is anything to go by.

a man with his heart in the right place, if I remember

Last year’s sponsorship went towards replacing

my 1st year student anatomy correctly….

all four of our Saturday kits, as that Beever logo

Tonight, Steve deserves a big reception, standing

was starting to look a bit tatty after hundreds of

ovation and all your gratitude.

launderette washes – clearly not the image we want to project of Steve or his company!

I have said it many times before, but it is worth repeating: we simply could not do what we do

Steve has also paid for another instalment of this

without his support and back up, and I’m not just

archive of our Club, which you are reading and I

talking money here – it is really priceless.

hope will keep, for bringing back memories of this season over many years to come. At last year’s

Cheers Steve from me, and all of us!

Alumni event, the ex-players loved the history it

SJL.

encapsulates in its pages over so many seasons, and marvelled at how it has progressed from its inception at the beginning of the century. So, yet again, we are truly grateful for the Beever backing on this one.

20

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...

Four key players are moving on to pastures new: sad

(black, minus fleece) in a total stranger’s flat, needs

but inevitable, as career paths sometimes lead away

to be appraised asap: it is the stuff of legend!

from Leeds.

And he has been a very good footballer too, serving

Paddy and Feebs have been drawn like moths to

his apprenticeship in the 4’s and 3’s before being a

the bright lights of London and Dowse to the bright

regular (and a regular goalscorer) for the Reserves.

lights of the Mersey ferry. All three will want to make

He is skilful on the ball, a good crosser and passer,

further appearances next season I’m sure – in the

with decent pace and a real honest appetite for hard

case of the latter two, to ensure they qualify to

work out of possession. He will be missed.

receive their 10 year service Merit Award tankard!

Above all, Al is a genuinely lovely lad, the ideal friend,

The final member of the quartet is Alan Salter –

team-mate and son-in-law, I’m sure! I am thrilled

who received his 10 year tankard at last year’s Dinner

that the likes of Alan are choosing General Practice

and although not moving away from the area, has

as a career – I just know he is going to be a fantastic

decided to step down from regular participation.

family doctor, with all the right qualities, when the NHS needs them most.

He has taken up a GP post in Bingley, with Andy Smith, a former player (of course!) who has also

Maybe to his embarrassment, I’m going to quote

written a small piece elsewhere in the Programme

some words he wrote to me recently when he told

and retains a keen interest in the Club’s fortunes, as

me of his decision to step down:

well as being a keen runner and MO to Guiseley FC in

“It is with absolute honesty that I can say, (along with

the Vanarama National League.

meeting Priya) that getting involved with LMDAFC

Al has assumed many pseudonyms over the years:

was the best decision I ever made at University. It

Black sheep, Salty dog, Paedo tash, Baggio amongst

has been a massive part of my life and I know that

them, which tells you that he has been very much at

the memories, friends and links I have made through

the centre of the Club’s affections and at the heart of

the Club will stay with me forever.”

all our great social events over the last decade.

I couldn’t have put it better…..

Paddy has not been with us for that long, but even as a non-Leeds graduate, slipped quickly and easily into the LMDAFC culture, if that’s the right word.

On the pitch, he epitomises the never-say-die, gritty northern approach to centre-midfield play, which helps to galvanise and inspire those around him. I never saw him give less than maximum.

That is never more so required than in games on heavy pitches, against tough opposition in horrendous winter weather (think Beeston, for example) with Paddy I suspect, loving every minute of it – not least because it brought the pace of the game down to a slog, which played totally to his strengths!

Although some of his organisation was a little “last minute” for my liking, he built a formidable team spirit in the Reserves under his leadership and was a formidable presence on Call Lane too, when night

Anyone who does NOT know the story regarding

shifts allowed!

Alan’s arrest by the police as a half dressed sheep 21

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...

It is a real shame he never managed to win silverware

I’m sure he will make a least one or more guest

as captain, because I know that was his intention

appearances in a tangerine shirt to ensure his 10

and goal. I do know that he has won a lot of friends

Year Merit Award!

through the Club and that in itself, is a measure

Tom Dowsett is a LMDAFC legend.

of success and reflects well on his great personal charm and popularity.

Indeed I don’t want to sound premature in writing his obituary, because although he is leaving the

Feebs has helped to re-shape the Tangerine Dream

city, I think he will make every effort to play as

team this season, and his long time experience of

many games as possible whilst travelling back from

captaincy and of being a serial Hodgson Cup winner

Liverpool. Again, his 10 Year Merit Award beckons

or finalist, ensured that he leaves a terrific legacy,

next season – and I am left thinking where has all

with the boys in fine form and with a fine future.

that time gone…

Like many in the past, and present, including Barmy

I so remember Tom arriving as a whippet thin, fresh

(Matt Smith), Pukey (Phil Antill) Jay Wiper and Leggy,

faced youth in what proved to be a golden year of

he has been content (that is not the same as being

Freshers – and the pictures in the archive (currently

unambitious) to throw his lot in with the Tangerines

in my loft at home!) bear me out when I was looking

to ensure the continuity of the great tradition of this

through them recently. Not that you’ve changed

team.

THAT much, Tom…

He has always been a good organiser, pragmatic

He was also pretty quiet and if I’m honest, didn’t

when it comes to taking decisions and dealing with

immediately stand out. However, like a fine claret,

the inevitable issues of selection when players are

the best was yet to come from Tom. To continue

taken up by the higher sides and rarely fazed by any

with the wine theme, year on year, through careful,

situation on or off the pitch. Laid back but steely

and sometimes not so careful aging (or is maturation

would be my summary!

a better word?) there emerged a terrific footballer

Team talks on my observation, were always clear

of phenomenal determination and crucially a great

and very direct when they needed to be! I like and

leader, motivator and a real team player.

respect his man-management.

Vice Captaincy followed by Captaincy resulted in

Feebs has always been a great stalwart of the Club

hugh success in League and Cup compertitions.

off the pitch, rarely missing a social event and always

That doesn’t happen by accident. Tom was astute

in the thick of things at NAMS: a true Tangerine!

tactically, genuinely tough on the pitch and thus led

He was of course, instrumental with his other

by example, and set high standards of availability

housemates, of maintaining the long traditions,

and consistency which others needed to mirror.

initiated donkeys years ago by The Mansion Boys

Although never the fastest full back, he trained

(Chris F, Pat M, Chris L, Jay W and JP) of the pre-

regularly and assiduously on Monday nights, setting

Dinner pre-loading party, including the infamous

the right example, particularly as captain, for others

crème caramel challenge, beloved of many!

to follow. Maybe not quite so much now, with the impact of NHS work levels, but Tom, in his student

Alex has also endured family tragedy with the

pomp, was intrinsic to “… the Medics superior

premature death of his father recently and, as we

fitness...” so beloved of Nev on the website.

reflected together, maybe the fresh impetus of a new job and new environment will give him the

Nevertheless,

space to create a new perspective and provide a

compliments, all well merited, is the certainty that

timely additional purpose in further moving on in

Tom, lives, eats and breathes the true ethos of

his life.

LMDAFC, like few others before him.

I, and all of us would wish him well in that, and

I have seen it first hand on so many occasions, 22

way

beyond

all

of

the

above

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES... most of which would not have been noticed by the

fantastic video of past and present Club personalities

majority of players. I saw sacrifice of other personal

put together a wonderful personal tribute, which

engagements to ensure his team did not suffer by

was funny, heart-warming and moving in equal

his absence. I saw real support for younger students

measure. It was a truly inspired idea by Tom and

coming through and being deeply committed to

Evo and must have taken an age to compile, edit

ensuring those players understood the worth of

and produce. I treasure it greatly and I thank them

belonging to LMDAFC and passing on that baton to

for their thoughtfulness.

the next generation. Priceless stuff.

It speaks volumes to me, of the pair’s deeply

On a very personal level, Tom (and Evo) have been

ingrained affection for this Club and of the principle

incredibly kind and always considerate to Jan and I

that you need to put in before you take out. Tom

over all these years. They have been the instigators

has “put in” by the bucket-load and never had to be

of the totally unnecessary but very welcome “Thank

pushed to do so. LMDAFC is in his DNA – we just have

you” to us both at the conclusion of each Annual

to find a way of cloning it for future generations!

Dinner, with a lovely, thoughtful gift as a memento,

SL.

too.

The one that brought me to tears (literally) was on my 40th anniversary with the Club, when a quite

23

K IS SING THE BL AR NE Y S TONE Hi lads. At least this written as you’ll all be able

It’s great to see all the teams up there fighting for

to understand me! I’m currently back home in

silverware every season and let’s hope the 4’s can

Northern Ireland working as a Max-fax SHO in Derry/

stay up. I expect nothing less and neither should

Londonderry with the aim of hopefully specialising in

anyone who pulls on the jersey.

orthodontics. I managed to play one year of football

LMDAFC certainly made my time in Leeds. Recently

in Belfast since I left gaining promotion with Aquinas

pulling out my shoe box which seemed to be filled

FC in our first year of amateur football. Since then I

with more Hancock and NAM’s runner up medals

have returned to my routes and first sport of Gaelic

than anything, I stumbled across an LMDFC end

football for my local club team Glenelly. Last year

of year magazine similar to the one you read now.

we missed out on promotion having been beaten in

There were some great bits of reading and photos

the playoffs. This year we have made a decent start

and I hope mine will be of interest too.

having won 2 from 3.

Looking back,

I met some great characters in my early days in Leeds. Big skip Joe Timpson, Chris Lucking, Piney, Onion, Pukey, Little Chris, Mitch, Rossy (Dentist) , Lloydy (Dentist) just to name a few. Those guys set the standard and dished out the magic wine fines in my early days.

Most recently the “Class of 2009” went skiing in March. It was like we had never had been apart.

Tom, organised as ever, got the boiz together and as expected it threw up endless stories. Highlights include George taking Johno’s ski’s, Johno using Jacko’s toothbrush, and Marriot travelling all the way

“Handball!!!” Myself playing for my local Gaelic football club Glenelly.

from Oz to model Jules Bikini. Oh and how could I forget horse racing and magic wines... say no more!

I’m writing this following my return weekend visit to

On the topic of magic wines, I hope you boys

Leeds. I couldn’t miss the opportunity of an away

enjoyed your crème caramels and knobs of butter

day to Stanningley! I was quickly reminded of my

washed down by the magic wines and multiple pints.

YOBL away days at such venues as I passed the

If not, order now as Steve’s speech is coming up! As

growling Staffordshire bulldog chained to the bar

always ladies and gents, silverware or no silverware

stairwell and entered the dusty basement of what

have a great night and celebrate another season of

passes for changing rooms. Some things never

this great Club that you all have worked hard for!

change!

None more so than Steve who as always is totally

Before the warm up Cheeky kicked a lump of dog

committed, year in year out, and to Jan who puts up

shit into touch which their left back managed to

with the Saturday stresses!

slide through later, much to my delight! After the

To the new comers continue the hard work; carry

usual Ledgering and Hinchy warm up it was down

the Club forward: five years flies by, so make the

to serious business: winning matches! This we did

most of it! As to anyone leaving, good luck and

in true Medics style – no, not footballing ability....

keep in touch! I look forward to seeing you all soon

superior fitness of course. I was still buzzing on the

and sorry I couldn’t be there due to Gaelic football

plane home on Monday evening having rekindled the

commitments.

Brad – Colm partnership and scoring the winning

Best Wishes

goal against Stanningley. It only took me 7 years….

Colm Hicks 24

THE SCIENCE OF HEALTHY HAIR 25

FOURTH TEAM: EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A CLOUD An interesting season for the IVths this year. Shining

finally left his mark in the IVth team. Only player this

bright at times with some huge wins. Beating teams

year who managed to annoy the opposition so much

4 divisions above us in the District cup and reaching

that they came after him even after they’d been

the Semi Final of the Hodgson Cup. This group of

subbed off. With strong words said towards the end

lads has really shown that they can play some quality

of the game from one of the Morley players I think

football at times. Unfortunately, the late push to keep

its safe to say Greg will be “busy” when that fixture

us up came too little too late with the fate of the IVs

comes round next season.

now hanging in the balance on how many teams the

Sam Wild: Sam is a relatively new member for the

league decides to relegate. One thing is for sure, the

fourth team and he has automatically settled into the

boys will be back next year stronger than ever!

side. A very good defender, who often unknowingly

Harry Dixon: Harry has had a solid season in net.

to himself carries the ball for 20 odd metres begging

There have been many weeks he has kept us in

to be tackled by the opposition.

games and as a captain his commitment to the cause

Tom Johno: Great addition to the club this year.

has been second to none. His pre-match team talks

Unfortunately, injury struck early and so Toms season

remain as inspiring as ever. Famous phrases such as

was cut short. We wish him all the best with his

“boys if we score more goals than them we will win”

recovery and luck forward to having him back fighting

have really helped us through a season of transition.

fit next year.

Vas Giannoudis: Vas has a been a huge asset this

Fraser Smith: The Bookies favorite to give away

year on and off the field. After many years at the club

penalties. Loves to dive into challenges no matter

and trying to convince every captain he has played

where he is on the pitch. lately the excuses have hit

under that he should be playing in midfield or up top,

new lows as Fraser claims it’s the “sticky pitch” that

he finally got his chance. Scoring a fantastic hat-trick

caused him to brutally hack down the opposition.

from left midfield. Unfortunately, it was felt to be in

Maybe if he pays more attention to the game instead

the best interest of the team to return vas to defense

of telling us how fit that Aussie bird was they’ll be less

as his head had become simply too large to fit into

need for those awful excuses.

the changing rooms.

Scott Hicklin: Massive improvement from Scott

Tom Hazeldine: A great year at FB for Tom.

this year. Rumours circulating hint that Scotts

Improving on a very solid first season with the club.

improvement is due to his impeccable attendance at

It is obvious to see how much tom’s confidence has

fruity where Scott can always be found bird in one

grown over the last year. He always loves to play out

hand, fag in the other. You can never quite tell if he

from the back. Unfortunately, he has adopted the Full

is pulling shapes on the pitch or tackling someone…

back tradition of the IV team of giving away penalties

Either way it works out.

to try and even up games.

Charlie Izard: Really good lad. Played all over the

John Headlam: The big man at the back. I can

park and has been a major help when we have been

never fault Johns effort on the pitch. However, I

short this year. Always a top effort from Charlie on

would expect nothing less since john spends such a

and off the pitch. Many highlights for Charlie but his

small amount of time on the pitch these days. The

Jamie Vardy-esque goal will go down in YAML history.

classic twisted knee, pulled hammy, or trick hip have been used on countless occasions. It’s funny that

Matt Holt: Unbelievable player. Always puts in a

these excuses coincide with John sprinting back from

110%. Although interest has been shown by other

the half way line, red faced, panting and collapsing

teams in the club, Captain Harry Dixon has issued a

in a heap.

hands off warning for next year. To point out Matts only fault, he unfortunately has a case of IVs fever

Greg Harrison: Great new addition to the IVs. Greg

and fails to score from 5 yards.

has been at the club for three years now but has 26

FOURTH TEAM: EVERY SILVER LINING HAS A CLOUD Ross Lathan: Injury prone season again for ross.

Rory Bird: Fantastic season for Birdman. Plenty of

Such a talent, its unfortunate to miss such a key

assists (all coming in one game). Birdman has made

player again this season. Hopefully he can shake of

his name in the IVth team. Now its onwards and

the injury over the summer and be back for next year.

upwards with more goals and assists on the way with every year he plays!

Alex Wood: Alex has played some fantastic football this year, his highlight scoring a fantastic hat-trick. We

Sol Lucas: Impressive season from Sol this year. He

hope to see woody back with the fours next season

has shown how well he can finish at times. However,

to add to his tally of goals for the club.

he has also showed that some shooting practice may be in order. A classic example was when Sol stopped

Sina Abolghassem: Great season for Sina, loves

the ball on the six yard box in front of an open net.

the ball at his feet as much as possible. Some great

Took a few steps back from the ball, lined up his shot,

assists and goals for sina this year. We hope he keeps

thought about it a few more times, before smashing

improving in the coming years to become a great

it against the post.

winger for the IVs.

Chris Sheppard: Second highest Goal scorer for

Jonathan Cattrall: Jonny has been a revelation for

the IVs this year and from the middle of the park. A

the fours this season. If there is one thing this boy

truly fantastic season for Sheppo. Some questionable

can do is put the ball in the back of the net. Jonny

shouts from the centre of the park such as “come on

has a habit of avoiding scoring from 5 yards out. As

boys these lot are s***” whilst we are 7-2 down are

he famously says ‘he doesn’t score easy goals’.

not uncommon.

Hassan Asad: What looked to be unfolding as a

Sam Ali: Better Late than never. Sam is an enigma.

great season for Hassan as his season was cut short.

Never do we know what he will do next on the football

Britain’s Got Talent auditions took up most of his

pitch or even if he will turn up. Jokes aside he has a

weekends. Pressing his red buzzer over and over

great season and contributed a lot to the team.

again lead to Hassan complaining of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hope everything clears up and Hassan

Jacob Mather: New to the club this year Jacob has

can make a swift return and bring the X Factor back

shown great commitment to training and the student

to the IVs.

team. Recently making his debut for the IVth team, this lad has a lot of potential.

27

The Fabulous Pinks...

Captain’s Report We had a fantastic 2015/2016-football season with lots of great football. We finished third in the league overall with 9 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws and a total goal difference of 32 for the season. Unfortunately we lost promotion by just one point but the pinks hope to come back strong next season and win the league.

We did well in the league cup and made it to the quarterfinals but lost by one goal to Bradford City.

Our highlight of the season was winning NAMS in Liverpool. A brilliant weekend with both our first and second team making it to knockout rounds. We won NAMS undefeated with a total of 31 goals scored and only one conceded. We managed to avoid penalties for the entirety of the tournament. It was a great weekend that was filled with lots of fun and excitement! A big congratulation to all of the pinks!!!!

I would just like to thank everyone for an incredible season and making my year as captain unforgettable.

I’m really proud of everything that we’ve accomplished this year and next season will be even better! I would like to pass on my captaincy to my fellow Canadian Allison Winarski. She is the spirit of the pinks and will be a great Captain! Well done this season everyone and lets slay next season!!

Lots of Love, Misha XXXX Thank you everyone for an amazing season with the Pinks! The turnout to socials this year was excellent and winning most weekends didn’t hurt too bad either.

We’ve jelled a lot over the season, which has been reflected in our success. The birthday NAMS Victory will go down as one my most memorable birthdays ever.

Finishing just one spot off promotion I guess we can’t have it all, until next year.

A triple title is within our grasp; we’ll be after the cup, the league and the NAMS championship! Can’t wait to start again next season, looking forward to seeing you all in the Fall, Lots of Pink Love, Ali XXXX

28

THE PINK L ADIES 2015/2016 Ben – Coach Dong Ming has done an excellent job

the back row has been a major contributor to the

coaching the pinks. His commitment and dedication

success of the Pinks this season.

to the team has helped us improve greatly this

Heather – From hooking us up with VIP treatment

season. His motivational half time speeches are at

at Revs to ensuring everyone was adequately

the forefront of sports psychology most notably his

inebriated on the night of our NAMS victory this

time machine visualization method. They have had

social secretary has taken Pink’s socials to a new

a huge impact in our matches. We would like to

level. Her assertiveness and enthusiasm is a real

thank him for all the time he has put into coaching

asset to team, just don’t bring her a lukewarm dish

us and we are looking forward to another amazing

at a restaurant. The super stream of fun Heather

season.

brings to the team is unparalleled.

Misha – Our Super Titty Captain has worked

Rhi – Rhiannon “Rheef” Davison is without a

tirelessly this season to ensure everything ran

doubt one of the most committed Pinks in history.

smoothly for the Pinks, from booking referees and

With her stellar moves in goal she will challenge

dealing with Weetwood to haggling with hotels

for dangerous balls no matter what the risk of

and finding the perfect shade of Pink for our new

injury, and there have been many, many injuries.

kit. On top of all that she weaves in and out of

In six years as a student she has never missed a

opponents with her mad skills and kicks a wicked

match and we’re so very glad she’ll be staying in

corner. As another Pink sticking around next

Yorkshire next year. Here’s hoping she never has

year we’re glad we’ll be able to continue chanting

any weekend shifts, ever.

Mishhaaaa G!

Dobbo – Dobbo is full of vibrant energy on and

Ali – Ali has had a great season. She has improved

off the pitch. As the longest standing member of

so much since she has first started and has

the team the girls look up to her for leadership and

become a very strong defender. She has made

motivation. Her support is incredible and you can

some amazing tackles this season. She has been

always hear her from anywhere on the pitch. She’s

an important part of our committee this year as

not afraid to take on a player twice her size, and

vice captain and we don’t know what we would

point it out to the ref. Big congratulations to her

have done without all her help. She is the spirit of

and Cheeky!

the pinks and the creator of our cheers, “Rowdy” even being adopted by Sheffield University. She will

Helen - Helen has had another great season

make be an incredible captain next year.

scoring plenty of goals in the process. She also maintained her wild NAMS reputation ending up in

Nat – A versatile player, she excels wherever she’s

A and E- what a top effort even if her hand wasn’t

placed on the field and can run the pitch in the

actually broken. She is an absolute credit to the

time it takes you to blink. Don’t be fooled by her

pinks.

ladylike exterior, you wouldn’t want to cross her.

As one of our stellar social secretaries Nat has kept

Becky – Becky has been banging in the goals all

the fun going all season long and is often one of

season. Her tremendous work rate and speed has

the last ladies standing on a night out.

allowed her to terrorise the opposition defence and score some incredible goals (even when wearing

Vicky – Vicky is the third musketeer in our trio of

the shorts of shame!). She is so valuable to the

social secs. This year was very exciting for Vicky as

pinks and has had a great season including scoring

she was promoted from fresher to Queen Fresher.

the winning goal at NAMS!

Her value to the team could not have been better emphasised than with the sheer terror that was

Emma – Its been an exciting year for Emma not

felt the morning we woke up believing we had lost

only with the very inter pink engagement but also

her forever on the night out before. We hope to

being unleashed from the depths of the back four

never lose her again as her leadership and skill in

to make a fabulous transition to central midfield.

29

THE PINK L ADIES 2015/2016 She has again had an excellent season and a few

skillful with a great shot and we are super excited

cheeky goals too.

that she will be staying in Leeds for another 3 years. Congratulations for getting into you PhD!

Foxy – Our beloved old gal, Foxy has another

Unfortunately she broke her collarbone towards the

great season with the pinks! She always has a

end of season and we wish her a speedy recovery.

great game and although being septic and dealing with a particular harsh remark at NAMS, she

Sandy – Princess Sanjit leaves all her glitz and

pushed through and made it to the night out.

glam on the side-lines, when she gets on the pitch

There is still life in the old gal yet!

there is no stopping her. An incredible footballer who has put in a commendable amount of work

beautiful outfit, we look forward to another season

and kept our defence strong all season. She did an

of you wowing us with both your impressive

incredible job leading the Pinks at NAMS so both

football skills and faultless glamour.

teams got through to the knockouts. No doubt

Aimee – This queen of fitness has all the

you’ll be putting us all to shame again tonight with

knowledge keeping us on form and in shape. Our

another beautiful outfit, we look forward to another

go to gal for physio, she loves pushing our legs

season of you wowing us with both your impressive

in the air... Putting in loads of effort on the pitch,

football skills and faultless glamour.

Aimee has improved so much over the season and

Amber – Amber has brought her smile and skills

will no doubt continue to do so over the coming

to the pinks. She is a great gal, even if she did take

years. Keep it up girl!

the shorts of shame off mid match (disgraceful).

Brittany – We’re super pleased to hear the

She played amazingly at NAMS and we can’t wait

announcement that Brit will be giving up rowing to

to see more of her next year!

take up football full time because she has come to

Amy – Amy’s introduction to the pinks has been

her senses and found her priorities, let’s all raise

fantastic. She takes no nonsense and is a solid

a glass! This is very exciting news but we pray

force at the back. Her skills have impressed and

that it doesn’t go to her head as we don’t want to

she has become a regular starter on a Sunday.

see anymore disgusting goal celebrations that she

Amy is a great addition to the team and we look

showed off at NAMS... In all seriousness, Brit is an

forward to seeing what she can do in the years to

absolute dream to be around and it’s a pleasure to

come!

have such a skilled footballer on the team.

Jade – New to the pinks this season, Jade has

Maddie – Maddie gives her all when she plays

fitted right in. Her commitment to the team is

football, putting just as much effort in to training

commendable and she always comes to training

and matches as she does to getting on the lash.

with a smile on her face. She is a reliable and

This girl was responsible for the shots being

well-rounded player. We are so glad she has joined

handed out at NAMS... payback tonight darling! An

the team.

invaluable member of the Pinks, our matches and

Erin – With her silky skills Erin is a force down

nights out would not be the same without you.

the right. Now qualified she still finds time to fit

Charlotte – Charlotte has established herself as a

the pinks in and is an integral member of the team

dominant force at full back this season. Her skills

who we wouldn’t want to do without!

have flourished and as a result she has emerged as a prolific goal scorer after NAMS. She still manages

Gemma – Gemma has been hugely reliable both

to have the most spectacular falls at training and

on and off the pitch. She scored the important

keeps us all entertained with her constant “banter”.

NAMS final winner and was the only competent and the only non-medic member of the team, able to

Kellyn – Kellyn has been a great addition to

make a sling! Thank you Gemma!

the pinks this year. Our American gal is a super 30

THE PINK L ADIES 2015/2016 Jo – Jo is a very loyal member of the club and

Katrina – has a personality like no other, if

holds our pink shirt very dear to her heart (no

you’ve spoken to her for more than 10 minutes (or

one is cutting our shirt in A and E). Our long

10seconds if she’s had a drink) you’ll know what

legged friend, having built on her relationship with

we mean. New to the team this year, she has made

Sheffield medics in the previous years helped us

a huge difference with her enthusiasm and passion

garner the support of these lovely ladies in the

for football. We can’t wait to see what future

finals at NAMS.

seasons hold for this crazy girl!

Lucy – Lucy has had a fabulous season this year,

Sophie – Sophie had a great NAMS scoring a

with her game going from strength to strength.

couple of cheeky goals. Given the nickname “super

She has improved greatly this year and had great

chat”, she is a master negotiator and was able to

display at NAMS. She has made some solid tackles

get us a full refund for one of our rooms.

in defense. She may comes across as all innocent

Posh – Posh has had some great matches. She is

but it’s the quiet ones you’ve got to watch out for

a very smart player and has great perception of the

and she’s proved this on numerous occasions

game. She has made some brilliant passes. She is

Susie – this has been an exciting year for the

often seen wearing her signature winter ski gloves

now Mrs Melrose, although she did not make an

on the pitch.

appearance at NAMS as not to bruise/scratch her

Ings – We missed Ings for the first half of the

pretty face (Women’s football is violent) for the

season, but are glad that we got to see her make

big day and gloated with her amazing honeymoon

some appearances in the latter half. She is always

pictures, she is a part of our team and the pinks

friendly and easy to approach and a joy to be

would like to say congratulations and when’s the

around.

party?

31

THE PINK L ADIES 2015/2016

32

THE PINK L ADIES 2015/2016 Brian’s Bulletin:

Never was this more evident than in their Cup game away against Premier League opposition, on

This year and last year have been a very successful

a snow covered pitch in freezing conditions, so cold

period for the ‘Pink Ladies’, or as I fondly call them

one player came off at the end with her lips stuck

the ‘Mighty Pinks’.

together!

Since January 2015 this team has only lost two

However, they still managed to pull off a magnificent

league games, were in the race for the First Division

4-3 win.

title and promotion to the Premier League, and won the NAMs Trophy a few weeks ago at Liverpool.

They are, as that old saying goes ‘All for one and

They scored 31 goals and only conceded one, and

one for all’, and they make all new players feel as

that a penalty in the Final.

if they have played with them all their playing time and are a credit to their Coach Ben Coom.

You only have to be around these ladies to know why they are successful, and that is summed up in just

Since January 2015 their League record stands as:

one word ‘TEAM’. That is indeed what they are: on

P.24..W.18..D.3..L.3..GF.104..GA.41

and off the field. They have to play with a changed team nearly every week due to work commitment

Long may you reign you ‘Mighty Pinks’ – it’s been a

and injuries, but they still try to play the game the

pleasure supporting you!

right way, and give 100% to the very end of a game

Brian Mac Cowling.

whatever team is put out.

winning NAMS but winning it in dominating fashion.

In The Pink! View From The Coach:

Winning NAMS was huge, the hunger and desire to

What a season this has been. With confidence high

win this year was scary, something I hadn’t seen on

from an incredible end to the last campaign the

my last two NAMS with the team. The team spirit was

Pinks were ready to compete on all fronts and that’s

flowing and the team didn’t want to loose, although

exactly what they did.

when I reflect on NAMS, I can’t help wonder how

At times this season I’ve been left amazed at things

much of a role the Pussy played?

I’ve seen on the pitch, from Jo Starts through ball

Who’s spilt Pussy in the tent? - Needless to say,

against Wetherby Firsts to Helen Molloy’s own

there will be a crate of it next year.

version of the Cruyff turn against Republica, but at the risk of sounding cliché, my overwhelming

I don’t think I need to point out that we won NAMS

emotion when writing this is being proud.

without losing a game, conceding only one goal from an incredibly dubious penalty, which I have to add

We used to lack structure and confidence, and as

the unfortunate ref paid for, when he found himself

a team the last two seasons were about becoming

surrounded by an alcohol fuelled Pink mob on the

hard to beat and organisation, knowing the roles, but

way to the night out!

this year we have taken our game to the opposition with devastating effect.

Watching the team go 0-1 down in the final was the hardest 5 minutes as coach, I reckon I was more of a

The effort the girls put in at training has been

wreck than the girls, but Becky Preston pulled things

incredible, especially considering half the time I

level and I re-gained the use of my legs, which was

confuse even myself when explaining drills and

lucky because I was up on my feet ready to watch

sometimes why we are even doing it.... But that

Gemma Smales smash in the winner.... All hell broke

said, when we get the complex ones going it’s very

loose. It was my absolute highlight of the season.

impressive and the desire to improve and win has been extremely evident, culminating in not only

Not only did the Pinks win NAMS but they had an 33

THE PINK L ADIES 2015/2016 incredible league campaign and even knocked

talks, time travelling with me at half time and being

Premier league opposition out of the Cup in a snow

amazing.

covered pitch in fairly comfortable fashion and I

I also, want to thank Sunny Matharu for managing

think I’m right in saying we were the only game to

the Pinks 2nd’s at NAMS, they had an excellent

go ahead in Yorkshire that day. Cold!

tournament, getting to the knockout rounds. This

We finished the league in 3rd position, losing only

represented a great effort by him and the team.

three games, twice to the eventual winners Battyeford

Thanks also to Lyn Hogg and Brian MacCowling for

and once to Bradford. I can say with confidence that

their fantastic support, Brian has been a big help this

Bradford at home and Batteyford away (last game

season, someone to bounce ideas off and of course,

of the season) were games that on a different day

he always brings the first aid kit and provides us all

could have gone our way, in fact, Statman Brian

with the match reports.

MaCowling will confirm that we dominated from start to finish and were very unfortunate.

Becky Preston is this year’s top scorer with 30 goals, an incredible effort as always.

This was always going to be a hard but ultimately successful season because it was a transition from

Misha and Ali, have been brilliant as captains, a

setting up not lose, to actually having a strong game

really good job done. It has been a really enjoyable

plan and taking games to the opposition from the

season. Well done everyone.

first whistle.

Here’s looking forward to next season.

The step up in class has been incredible and

Ben ‘Klopp’ Coom

noticeable to other teams and mangers most of which coming off a heavy defeat, I suspect that next season and beyond opponents will not look forward to playing the Leeds Medics, we defend compact, attack wide and are always first to the ball, when teams visit they better hope we are having an off day as that’s the only way they are getting through, a rock solid defence and a keeper that won’t be beaten, a deadly strike-force now bolstered by an addition from across the pond and a midfield with more energy than a wind farm....

Writing this now, and reflecting, yes the team have had an a fantastic season but I’m certain they will not rest until the league title is in there hands and playing back in the premier league. I think the biggest change I have seen in the Pinks this year is there desire to not just want to be in the league to have fun and just be part of it, but to want to win, and I’ve always been told that the Pinks are a ‘nice’ team (which they are) but this season I’ve seen a hint of well placed aggression, which highlights the desire to win.

I would like to thank the whole team for putting up with me, listening and putting shit loads of effort into training, listening to my at times odd team 34

ONCE, T WICE, THREE TIMES A (PINK) L ADY... and many times more for fancy dress. Photos of said kit are a rare find, mainly scattered around the lofts of North Leeds. b.

Although many may have claimed to join the

club due to the reputation and sporting prowess of the girls footie team, the real reason may have had more to do with the male:female ratio, demonstrated by the cross-pollination seen in the years following. c.

It soon became apparent from not being the

only player to specialise in the ‘air kick’ and ’ankle chop’ that I was joined by at least 10 other likeminded souls. d.

Any captain willing to flash naked in front of

an entire lecture theatre of Freshers got my instant respect (well done Kate Brunton).

As Lionel’s song goes, ‘thanks for the times that

e.

you’ve given me…..the memories are all in my mind’

womens’ team at NAMS 2001, despite the fact that they, unlike us, had learnt the skill of actually kicking

As my fifteenth season draws to an end, it dawned on

the ball.

me that I have spent my entire adult life playing for this club. In view of this, I thought I would share the

f.

last 15 pink years with you, split into 3 bite-sized pink

with wristband label ‘unknown female’

my MD, I’ve thrown in a few graphical representations

g.

of the times spent, in order to incorporate my new

a.

Sporting a Dennis the Menace ‘hand me

Half time involved a sneaky fag and a tactical

vomit

found love for all things Excel-based.

Pre-PINK memories

Pre-match preparation = night in A&E

following a ‘spiked drink’ (read ‘spiked with alcohol’)

nuggets. And in homage to recently having completed

Memories of a deep-seated rivalry of the GKT

h.

‘Training’ at Parkinson steps, a.k.a run to the

top, followed by banter/cigarettes at the top of the steps for the remaining 55 minutes

down’ boys kit. I think it got worn once to play in,

35

ONCE, T WICE, THREE TIMES A (PINK) L ADY...

Pre-pink 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Men

Booze

Footballing prowess

36

Pink Spirit

ONCE, T WICE, THREE TIMES A (PINK) L ADY...

PINK

a.

I must admit these years formed my

d.

the designer kit (Galliano baby), another scratchy one and a baby pink version……the common theme

maturation from adolescence to 30 something, and

amongst all these was that half of it was inexplicably

are a little blurred as a result of the heady mix of late

lost within 2 trips away.

nights at Jake’s and early morning ward rounds. b.

There was a succession of pink kits, including

e.

The Pink Kit was officially debuted at NAMS

The Pinks turned from a ‘work in progress’ to

a force to be reckoned with, including NAMS titles,

2002, complete with matching pink hair ribbons. At

league wins and much more under the guise of a

the time, football kits came in about 4 colour options

number of managers…..Gaz/Adrian (married a pink),

(did Tangerine even exist then???) and as a result our

Andy (married a pink), Jay (dated a pink), and Lewis

kit was made by a local seamstress out of a rather

(tried to date a pink and failed)…..to name but a few.

scratchy pink sweaty material. But we didn’t intend on playing much football in it now did we girlies?? c.

Over the years, for some unknown reason we

started to recruit some players that actually knew how to kick a football, even an ex-Wales international!

PINK 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Men

Booze

PM (Post-Melbs)

a.

A 12 month Fellowship abroad saw me

Footballing Prowess

b.

Pink Spirit

I returned to a flourishing team, which has

gone from strength to strength under the steady hand of Ben ‘Dong Ming’ Coom.

captain of my local Melbourne side, where we trained for 4 hours, yes 4 HOURS per week. This coupled

c.

with no on-call meant that I learnt to head the ball

very own, ‘pink spirit Haka’, getting ROWDY and

(small white lie), kick the ball (sometimes in the

FRESHER.

correct trajectory) and even tackle at a reasonably legal moment.

37

Introduced to the ‘pink spirit’ including our

ONCE, T WICE, THREE TIMES A (PINK) L ADY... d.

Some things changed less……Posh was her

the ‘newbies’ grow from FRESHER to fully fledged

usual Berbatov self and Emma ‘David Luiz’ Shaw

doctors.

getting delusions of grandeur. e.

And no synopsis of my time would be complete

Less LMDFC incest, but more than made up

without mentioning the man that is the living

for by the BANTER f.

heartbeat of this club, my ‘dad in Leeds’, keeping us all together and building it up to what it is today.

Oh, and did I mention……NAMS CHAMPIONES

Need I say more than this…..

2016!!!!!!!!

………THERE’S ONLY ONE STEVIE LEDGER…….ONE STEVIE LEDGER……….

So its been a whirlwind 15 years of cheerleaders,

Love y’all girlies, ‘Old spirit’ Dobs xxxxx

hair-biting, bunnies, bottle of wine base, builders, hippies and superwomen but I have loved each and

PINK

every moment of it. As a result of this club I’ve met

10

my future husband, my BFFs, wonderful colleagues

9

and a real ‘family’. Most of my happiest memories

8

of the last 15 years are somehow linked to the club,

6

from Pink weddings, to meeting pink offspring. I

4

7 5

feel proud of my girlies when we play awesomely

3 2

on the pitch, and when we win the lash. Its been

1 0

great growing up with you and watching some of

38

Men

Booze

Footballing Prowess

Pink Spirit

Special Recognition:

Exam Success:

5 years - Misha Gaur

Laura Dobson - MD Helen Molloy - BSc

Massive Respect To:

Best Of Luck To Our Finalists:

Laura Dobson for 15 years service to The Pinks

Anna Wallace Misha Gaur Rhi Davison

Best Wishes To:

Dobbo & Cheeky on their marriage this summer

THE EVOLUTION OF THE MEDICS’ FOOTBALLER The pundits say the thing that makes ‘Sir Alex’

in their lifetime. It goes without saying that some

the greatest manager of all time is his ability to

progress faster than others.

reproduce generation after generation of successful

It could be argued that some deliberately stall

teams. Not only have LMDAFC managed to reproduce

their progression (James Evans, Sammy Bzeu, Josh

success on a regular basis on the pitch (although

Marriott) in order to stay immortally in one stage.

currently enduring a minor drought), it is the ‘off-

Inevitably we all progress through the evolutionary

the-pitch’ success that makes me most proud to be

cycle by the end….

an LMDAFC player.

Evolution Stage 1: Fresher

Friendships, relationships, weddings, children, god parenting and divorces have all stemmed from the

The initial stage is a high paced, whirlwind start

great bonds that members of LMDAFC hold. The

to the process. I say ‘high-paced’, it’s all-relative,

memories and friends I have made with this club

for me it was probably just ‘higher’ paced. Club

I will hold on to for life, as have many generations

membership generally involves lots of boozing and

above me and as will many generations below me.

trying to forge you way into one of the Saturday teams. Hopefully you’ve started by experiencing

I look forward to seeing you at socials, alumni

the ‘Tangerine dream’ where you will be taught

events, weddings and funerals in the future. Besides

all the fundamental principles that are crucial in

I need to make 10 appearances next season to get

becoming a true LMDAFC stalwart. The important

my 10-year tankard.

developmental steps here are the realisation that

We should all be proud of the footballing success,

your non-footballing friends in medical school are

but much, much prouder of the LMDAFC family and

unworthy and your true mates are the LMDAFC

all the positive impact that has. I am particularly

boiz. Generally the earlier this happens the more

grateful to ‘Sir Steve’ for the success of enabling

successful the overall outcome.

generation after generation of players to become

There is lots of interaction with the Pink Ladies

such great friends and influences on our lives.

that leads to some interestingly awkward sober

With the soppy aspect out the way, below I outline

conversations at committee meetings and the

the steps every LMDAFC player evolves through

daytime footy at NAMS. 39

THE EVOLUTION OF THE MEDICS’ FOOTBALLER Evolution stage 2: The glory years

Alternatively you accept your fate, maybe before your time, and instead of trying to force you way

A few years in and you have been given a role in the

back to more primitive states you become grumpy

club, maybe intra-mural captain, social secretary or

towards those that are still in the ‘Glory-years’.

even a Saturday captain! Now you have the joy of Monday night committee meetings. My advice here

Symptoms of this include fury at the proposition

is to file your ‘minutes’ so you can use them again at

that Tequila has replaced Sambuca as official

exactly the same time the following year…

football club shot, the unwavering position that you must leave the bar / club if certain songs are played

You start to become astute in club politics and pull

(‘Jump Around by House of Pain’) and the realisation

out all the tricks to stop anyone knowing who your

that you do not have the gusto to fully commit to

team’s best player is and stop them being pinched

Stage 2 any more. On the rare occasions that you

over the holiday periods. You still booze heavily and

do, you pay for it both mentally and physically for

do your best to assert influences over those still in

the following week.

Stage 1. However those who have evolved more

Evolution Stage 4: The alumni years

than you and have the financial clout to push their influences can still wade in and punish you severely.

The longest and least explosive of the LMDAFC

This stage provides you with all the memories that

player’s lifetime. Although reunions are less frequent,

you will look back on for years to come. This is where

your teammates are your best friends and you never

the bonds formed in Stage 1 are strengthened to

get bored of the occasions you are together. You

unbreakable limits.

reminisce about all the memories from the previous stages and on occasion recreate new ones and

Due to your inability to appropriately interact with

behave like you did in the earlier years.

the opposite sex following your exploits in Stage 1 you are now blacklisted by the Pink Ladies. It’s a

You have no doubt at this stage that you don’t have

hard-graft and a long way back from here if you

the stamina to keep that up consistently. You have

want any future success in this area.

developed the roots that will keep you grounded forever and the memories that will last a lifetime.

Evolution Stage 3: The quarter-life crisis

I think by the time the Dinner comes I will be

This generally occurs around the qualification years.

somewhere around Indonesia. However I will be

The heavy start to your development has taken

sure to do a glass of Magic Wine in the football clubs

its toll. If you are still able to play football at a

honour.

high standard its because of the ‘5 yards’ in your experienced YOBL brain and nothing to do with your

See you all next season.

legs.

Dowsett x

People head in two directions from here and this is where the deliberate delaying of evolution is attempted. It is either a full-paced swim upstream, against the flow and back into stage 2 in order to prevent further evolution.

Symptoms of this include attending numerous cocktail parties post-qualification and being 10 years older than those it is aimed for, being the main organiser of the fancy dress for the Otley run whilst those less evolved than you put their feet up and taking on committee roles that don’t really exist such as ‘Social Secretary Supervisor’.

40

E VO -LUT ION! Wow, 10 whole years as a member of LMDAFC!! I

Fortunately the shoddiness of the facilities wasn’t

find it hard to believe sometimes times that I have

reflected in our performances and ever since I have

proudly worn the skull and crossbones badge for

known it, LMDAFC have always been up there com-

an entire decade. Others, I imagine, find this easier

peting across all competitions, with each and every

to understand given my track record with medical

team seeing success at some point. In my first sea-

exams....

son I was proud to help the 4’s win the Hodgson Cup, followed a few years later by promotion under

However a few failed years here and there and a

my captaincy.

disciplinary hearing to boot and I’m still here to tell the tale.... And what a tale!

This was followed later by success again in the Hodgson Cup this time with the Tangerine Dream.

It started, as it did for us all, at the first year trial.

I was unfortunately only a member of the mighty

Probably my best game for the Medics to date, safe

Tangerines for a season and a half, but it is un-

to say I peaked early and never quite managed to

doubtedly a special team, with great characters and

hit those heights again. I attempted to pass myself

fantastic ethos.

off as a striker, scored 2 and formed a formidable partnership with a certain James Kelly, the likes of

My proudest time in a Medics shirt however would

which hadn’t been seen since Yorke and Cole in 99’.

have to be the Double winning season with the Re-

I’m still not sure half the Club know which of us is

serves. What a season!

which. I think this is the only reason I’m part of the

With the team experiencing success a couple of

Club, if my trial had emulated more recent perfor-

years prior, followed by a somewhat disappointing

mances, I’d definitely be playing for Shire or per-

season, there was high expectation placed on the

haps even Thornes. Oh God.

2s.

However such is fate, I made it into the club and

A few fresh faces mixed with a solid back four, a

then it was time for my first game at Fortress Fern-

beautiful Dave Emms in ridiculous scoring form, all

ville aka the Fernabeau.

under experienced leadership of Dowse and Timp-

For those of you unlucky enough to never have

son..... we knew we should be pushing for trophies...

ventured onto the legendary pitch, let me set the

And we didn’t disappoint.

scene.... Old school pre-match warm ups included

Even my best efforts to consistently run the ball out

a quick jog around the pitch removing hypodermic

of play, multiple times, every game, couldn’t derail

needles, condoms and shards of glass bottles as you

us that year.

go, and on one occasion even a pair of knickers.

Nice.

The season was packed full of highlights, but the ones that stick in my mind are Dave Emms’ hat-trick

This was followed by putting up the nets, one light

last game of the season away at Thornes, to bring

person on the fat guys shoulders (Barmy), fastening

the league championship home and Jez’s mazy wan-

the netting around the goal posts and crossbar.

der up-field that resulted in a penalty, coolly slotted

The customary warm up was preceded by the fiasco

away by baby-faced Timothy (Hugh) to secure the

that was the changing rooms. Picture a semi-con-

Hancock Cup against who else but those lovable

crete shed, with a tin roof and a floor made only of

scruffs Stanningley!

dirt, with showers that Nazi Germany would have

Narrowly missing out on an unprecedented treble,

turned their nose up at. And this was if you were

losing on penalties in the District Cup Final, couldn’t

lucky... On a few occasions I remember getting

dampen what was a special season for the Club and

changed in the car park out of the boot of some-

my favourite year to date.

one’s car! Happy days!

My favourite match has to be the 6-5 win away at 41

Beeston Juniors. With nothing to play for in the

ran the ball out of play, a great tug of war and ex-

league, we decided that we would, as a final fare-

cellent Marque, bucca rice and a great quiz.

well to the season, pick positions out of a hat, much

Nottingham... Dr Tim, a Ted Baker shirt, wripped

to Turnbull’s dismay. I can’t remember everyone’s

clothes, enough said.

starting position, but key ones to remember were Jez in net, Fad left wing, myself centre mid with

Dundee... The train Centurion, Sammy’s outrageous

Johno and Hugh centre back. Horrendous I know.

overhead kick, an awesome trip bowling, Fad’s Rock DJ dance, Dicko’s mussel challenge and my infa-

It came as no surprise that following a dismal first

mous imitation of a certain Gastropod... I feel so

half, which saw Beeston popping shots from an-

close to you right now, like a limpet!

ywhere and Jez deciding he’d either not move or jump over the ball entirely, that we were 5-1 down

Newcastle... cold, and 10 PRAWNS!

at half time.

Sheffield.... non-existent threesome with a mixed

Following a Turnbull bollocking and subsequent

race, white, fake-tanned girl, Cairnsys last minute

self-substitution, a quick reshuffle back to our nor-

wonder header, Svez’s allergic reaction.

mal positions and halftime pep-talk, we approached

Liverpool... required a lime-fork amnesty, Friday ka-

the second half with optimism. After a much im-

raoke and Headlam helping out his former Uni with

proved performance we found ourselves 4-5 down

the best own goal of all time!

with 5 mins to go.

Safe to say I have been lucky to have experienced

Cue the corner and stage one of the comeback. 5-5

eight NAMS weekends so far, and long may they

unbelievable. Let’s keep it tight now lads, a draw,

continue. Maybe someday soon we could win one

what a result given the first half circumstances. Up

though lads, and match our ladies with NAMS suc-

steps Richie Robinson with other ideas, bang 6-5!

cess: well done girls!

Absolute scenes! The gutted Beeston faces are ones I will remember for many, many years to come!

The Club has given me so much over the last decade, and writing this I found myself asking what

The Club has provided me with many hilarious mem-

have I given back in return?

ories over the years, from episodes of incontinence, of both the urine and faeces variety courtesy of Gin-

Loads of man of the match performances... No. Lots

ger Nick and Lloydy respectively, to John Headlam

of miss-hit crosses... Yes. But I think there is one

going all the way to Sheffield for his Tux for the

stand out factor, one thing that I hope above all else

Christmas Do in more recent times!

I have given to the club. Following in the shadows of football greats before me.... Maradona had one,

Safe to say a lot of memories have been provided

so did Cruyff, and now so do I. You guessed it, I am

by my favourite weekend of every year....NAMS. The

indeed talking about the Evo-turn.

lack of NAMS success in an entire decade is still a bit of a sore point, but the moments they have provided

For those of you unaware or inexperienced enough

have more than made up for it!

to have a self-titled turn, let me enlighten you. 1) Stand dangerously close to the touchline with out

So in summary... Dublin offered plenty of golf ball

realising 2) when the ball is played to you, when

Guinness, Salter lost his bag on the runway, a cer-

and only when, it has far too much pace not to take

tain member of the tweed splashed 600 euros at

a touch... Let it roll across your body, opposition

the local strip club and Johno vommed on a passing

player present or not it doesn’t matter 3) Just let the

pram, carrying baby and all.

ball run out of play. And that’s it, so simple, it works

Manchester gave us the nickname Aslan, a great

a dream baffling opposition and self alike. I’m proud

game of heads and volleys and a more than boister-

to have fashioned a turn in my 10 years here and

ous Saturday night... Will Leeds medics stop ruining

even prouder I actually pulled one off successfully

NAMS for everyone!

this season before Timpson retired! That one was for you pal!

Leeds... Best team in the tournament until Feebs 42

Trying to summarise a whole decade at the Club is

get a lot out of this Club if you put a lot in.

very difficult, particularly when it has been littered

I would like to echo my earlier sentiments regarding

with as many fond memories both on and off the

the way the Club used to be when I first started....

pitch as mine has.

In the last 10 years it is safe to say LMDAFC has

There is loads I have not been able to mention: the

come a very long way. The pitches, training facilities

student team and its success over the years, the

and quality of football through out the whole club

antics from so many Christmas do’s and end of sea-

has improved vastly, whilst the traditions and ethos

son Dinners, all the club traditions: creme caramels,

off the pitch have continued also. It’s is important

magic wine, mulagers, bottle of wine base, all the

that this continues as the club goes through transi-

fancy dresses: whether Otley run or cocktail party,

tions over the coming seasons too.

Zoidberg’s in particular, the songs: he’s graaaafting,

One man that has always been at the heart of the

Leeeeds Leeeeeeds, GKT wank wank wank.

club ever since I started is of course Ledger.... And

It is testament to LMDAFC and the people in it, that

I’d like to extend him a personal thanks, for all his

a lot of these traditions and legacies have now ex-

efforts over the last 10 years! Cheers Steve!

tended beyond the Club for myself and many others.

Well guys, there isn’t much left to be said except...

Undoubtedly the best thing the Club has offered me

have a fantastic night, make sure the first years eat

however, is the people in it. Through LMDAFC I have

their butter, drink plenty of magic wine and try not

met so many great people and in many cases friends

to ruin the carpet with too much sick. I will in the

for life, with this number only expanding year on

meantime be drinking plenty of palatable single-malt

year, you know who you are! The club’s ethos of

and eating out of many a fromagerie with the Egg-

helping each other out off the pitch also, with exams

man JJF himself in South America. Cressie. Gabe!

revision, course work, or placements is something

Much love,

I have seen passed down each year without failure

Jamesy (Evo) x

during my time here and is something I can proudly say I have been involved in. It’s fair to say you will

43

44

45

THANKS!

Thank you to the Leeds University Sports Dept & Groundstaff Team.

Once again, our home pitches, especially Weetwood

have worked hard to ensure our games took place

have been the envy of every other club in the

either on grass or on 4G. That level of co-operation

League, with the universal admiration expressed

and flexibility has been so helpful to us and I am sure

for the quality of he surface, drainage and upkeep.

w can further develop activities to mutual benefit.

Similar feedback has also come from League officials

They have also facilitated League Representative

watching our games and referees too. Everybody

games too.

(including ourselves!) loves it!

I will be sitting down in the close season with Gwaine,

It’s really important that we acknowledge all the hard

no doubt, to discuss plans for next year. We wish

work that goes into creating that standard of facility,

Rob Wadsworth, Head of Sport at the University,

especially that carried out by the groundstaff. It does

well in his new job in Dubai. He has always been

not go unnoticed on our part and our appreciation is

very supportive of our Club and what we try to

sincere. All our teams like to play good football and

achieve in W Yorkshire Football.

all our home pitches allow us to do exactly that. Ou

A dialogue will continue with the University Men’s

only complaint is that the quality of the pitches leave

Football Club regarding the ongoing mutual co-

us no excuse when we DO play badly...

operation that has been fostered so successfully this

Praise and credit due also to Stef and his team at

season.

the Weetwood pavilion and those serving us in the

I am very positive about our relationship with the

bar after games; everyone is helpful, cheerful and

Sports Department and the Weetwood team and

seem interested in our progress. Pizzas have been

wish to thank them all once again on our behalf for

a welcome addition for us and has encouraged the

all their time and effort over this very successful

opposition to come back and have a drink with us -

season for us. They deserve some of the credit for

which is good for bar takings too!

that!

The sports administrators have worked really

SJL.

productively with us this year, with excellent links forged between them and Sam as club secretary.

It has been a wet and very difficult winter but they

46

S TUDENT TE AM S R EP ORT Unfortunately this season has been a

did the boiz no favours as we looked to

somewhat difficult year for the student

forget the disastrous IMF campaign.

team. Following on from last year’s success,

A solid 1 v 0 loss to GKT (Wank Wank

in which we won the IMF league as well as

Wank) Seconds, arguably the worst team

the Leeds Varsity Challenge against Leeds

in the tournament, soon gave us a reality

Met, was always going to be a tough ask.

One

method

of

ensuring

that

check. Chopper Goodfield, not living up

your

to his name by mincing about at the back

successors as captains do not better your

post, rather than bothering to mark his man

achievements is to not even enter your

from a long throw, did the damage.

team into the IMF league for the next year.

To be fair many a player was a little worse

This tactic, employed by Aldo and Monk

for wear. A recent quote from Goodfield,

(Smuggy and Scary), proved to be less

looking back at the experience, summed

popular than the revolutionary “three at

up the general mood: ‘I was so confused, I

the back” system. It was, however, very

had no idea what was going on, it was just

successful in its underhand goal.

such a blur.’

As a consequence, the boiz had to enter

Once the hangovers had worn off a bit, we

the Sunday league and a lack of player

soon recovered to win our remaining group

availability soon ensured the season would

games and qualify for the knockout stages.

be a battle to avoid relegation, rather

Highlights included Hugh slicing a cross into

than the usual title challenge. We were

the top corner, Hairband Helliwell telling

eventually put out of our misery at the start

everyone to ‘set meh’ plus the arrival of

of the second term, when the league was

Nige’s ‘Dulux’ dog. We were also bolstered

cancelled due to the bad weather and a

by the late arrival of a young Sverrir, who

lack of pitches.

was fresh and brimming with confidence

The lack of regular IMF football meant it has

after presenting his poster at a conference.

been a tough year in terms of recruitment

There were some notable goals, including

of Freshers. There have, however, been

a Beckham-esque free-kick from Captain

a couple of additions to the club who we

Helliwell that was unluckily disallowed.

hope will still be with us for many years

Having qualified as winners of the group,

to come. One of those is Tim Griffiths, a

the team was rocked by an injury to star

fine goalkeeper who like most keepers has

striker Nige with a suspected punctured

some grandiose delusions of being an even

lung, only to be relieved that he actually

better striker.

just needed a shit.

NAMS provided our yearly opportunity

Moving onto the knockout stages, the boiz

to pretend we have a chance of winning

were beginning to play their best football.

silverware and can actually master this

First up was Lancaster. A fine performance

format of football.

saw us run out 3 v 0 winners, with time to

However, an early Saturday morning start

rest our players for the quarterfinals.

BEEVOLUTION 47

S TUDENT TE AM S R EP ORT Fresh from an emphatic win, we were

strolled, only to casually roll it wide of the

starting to believe this could be our year.

post. With that miss, the team’s momentum

Up next was Liverpool 1s, who we lost to

was crushed. Monk and Maxwell soon

in last years final on penalties. Much like

followed suit, ensuring a quick and familiar

that Final, we managed to control the

exit from the tournament. The conciliation

game. Aldo and Hobo at the back did what

- at least we won’t have to host NAMS next

they do best and bullied their striker with

year… oh wait.

their strength and pace. Unluckily, we were

Our congratulations and admiration must go

unable to find a breakthrough and yet again

to the Pink Ladies who once again showed

the game went to penalties.

us (or famously would have shown us, had

First to take a penalty was Captain “I don’t

we been there: genuine and total apologies

miss penalties” Wardman. Having just

girls) how it was done, bringing the NAMS

given a rousing team talk telling the boiz

trophy back to Leeds - again

“lets show them”, everyone was confident

Kwardman and Hairband.

he would get us off to a good start. Up he

48

THE DR E AM ON HOLD FOR ANOTHER YE AR As always, this NAMS story begins with a

NAMS athletes hungry, and where better

group of boiz waiting for a train. After the

to carb load than a critically acclaimed

failed promise of a 7-day canal boat voyage

Chinese buffet. Unsure of what to grab from

to Liverpool’s distant ports, we had to

such an extensive selection of fine foods,

settle for 40 minutes of standing, after the

Tim Griffiths stuck to what he knew and

reserved seating failed to materialise.

demolished all of 50 prawns in an attempt to outdo Dave Emms record.

The group was keen not to let their morale drop, although this was difficult considering

With dinner, a classier drink is required

the notable absence of both social secs,

to wash down your chow mein, and what

Rory Bird and Nick Maxwell.

is more fitting than a pint with a shot of Sambuca: just ask Evo and Paddy.

Learning from last years’ mistakes, the boiz tucked into their solo bottle of a newly

Research has shown that loosening up your

revised bubbly power hour. With the mood

vocal chords has a direct link to a better

mixed after Liverpool’s triumph over United

performance at NAMS, so off to the karaoke

in the Europa League, we set out to explore

we went for an early pre NAMS warm up. As

our new surroundings into the early hours.

ever, no-one shied away from giving it their all, but a special mention to Evo and Hugh

The morning after came soon after, with

for stealing the show and the hearts of all

a few of the NAMS veterans reminding

music lovers.

themselves what they ate last night by examining the toilets. Then, through the

Sticking together and onto the next bar, the

doors came NAMS mascot Tom Hazeldine,

boiz stumbled upon late arrival fan favourite

fresh from a night celebrating Liverpool’s

Paul Jacko alongside the 2nd worst social

win with the locals and sleeping on the

sec NAMS has ever seen Rory Birdman.

streets cradling his broken wrist and broken

The next day arrived and with a shared

dreams of a NAMS appearance.

interest in football, we set off in search

After moving to more familiar territory in the

of a few pitches for a kick about. Arrival

form of a very Premier Inn and a quick-fire

at Liverpool Uni’s home ground and up

breakfast, the boiz somehow all bumped

popped Maxwell, looking surprisingly fresh

into each other at a Wetherspoon’s. Enter

faced considering he was just off the back

an early lime in Tom Hazeldine’s first pint

of a 21st.

and we had our first chuck up of the day

Soon after Svez rolled in but the boiz were

decorating the carpet with some local

sure someone was missing. Apparently

cuisine.

pre match nerves got the better of Fraser

However he was keen to atone for his sins

Smith, and finding out his newly found

and was soon knelt down cleaning up his

scouse acquaintance had decent wi-fi, he

mess. A quick glance over to IMF captain

decided to take refuge in her arms and

Jack Helliwell confirmed that against all

watch LMADFC’s NAMS fate unfold on

odds, he’d managed to achieve a deeper

WhatsApp.

shade of green than last year, closely

With Scott Hicklin at the helm of a star

resembling the now circulating limes.

studded second team, and the squad depth

Cheap ales and slightly flat lagers do make

looking stronger than ever for the 1sts,

49

T H ON E B OHOLD IZ NAM S R EANOTHER PORT THE DR E AM FOR YE AR what could possibly go wrong?

To round off the record for the shortest NAMs appearance ever, back to Manchester

A 2-0 loss to GKT 2’s in the opening fixture

Maxwell went, apparently with a 21st to

and the question was already being asked,

attend, Wasn’t that the excuse for the

was it really our year?

previous night, Nick?

With the 2’s having a slow start to their

With the penthouse boiz retreating to

campaign, they suddenly realised they were

their luxury and the rest of us back to

here to play football and weren’t half bad at

the Premier Inn, we all reflected on what

it. Unfortunately, this realisation came too

could have been. Fresh shockwaves were

late as they were already out, and so they

sent around the group as we found out we

did the next best thing and beat Manchester

could be hosting NAMS after all, due to the

1’s to completely ruin their NAMS dream

victory of the Pinks, showing the boiz how

and send them home at the group stage.

it should be done.

Fighting the bouncers at Factory will have to wait for another year.

Back

to

the

1’s

and

Perhaps still upset about being knocked they’d

out, the rugby, not the football was put on

turned

as we all enjoyed a fried chicken buffet and

themselves around with goals from Svez,

planned for our last night.

Nige, Hugh and Chris P helping to propel us through to the top of the group on goal

The only way to get us started had to be

difference. Along came the interval and an

the local tradition of “quad vods”. Having

outrageous queue for the burger vans. We

staved off NAMS fever for an admirable

waited to see our fate in the draw. Having

amount of time, this quad vod unfortunately

just finished the last bites of their burgers

finally brought Svez down, as his notorious

and with limited warm up, the boiz weren’t

rash flourished. Having been booed out

looking in the best of shape for their round

of Walkabout for clearly being the best

of 16 tie.

team not to win NAMS, we were separated and spread out to separate bars with only

However, with a performance as inspired as

guidance from locals Aldo, Nige and Paddy

his music selections on the day, Chris P lead

keeping the night alive.

the 3-0 demolition of Lancaster. Through to the quarters we went, and who else

Nothing was heard from any of the squad

did we get put up against but the reigning

until Jacko, Birdman, Svez and McGahan

champions. In a closely matched game full

were found politely sleeping on the floor

of set pieces, a lack of deserved yellow

outside the penthouse boiz suite at 8AM,

cards and not a lot else to be honest, the

eager not to wake anyone inside and waiting

full time whistle blew at 0-0.

their turn for a roof and a bed.

With no Jim in goal and having remembered

And so ended another NAMS. Contrary to

our manners, we realised how rude it would

popular belief this was not to be our year

be to knock out the hosts on penalties. With

(again). But, as a wise man once said: “We

this in the back of their minds, Kwardman,

go again.”

Monk and Maxwell stepped up to the spot.

Nick and Rory

They all missed and out we went on pens, as is tradition.

50

PHIL ANTILL: MASTER OF THE CL ASS OF 2002 This looks like Phil’s last “proper” season with the

cherished.

Football Club, with age, family and blossoming

Crucially, he has given so much back - and over such

career combining to call regular time on his football

a long period. His contribution as player, captain,

journey with us.

committee member, supporting me in so many ways

I am sure he will still try and make himself available

as the club has developed, and his totally generous

when called upon in extremis by his beloved

help and advice offered freely to students preparing

Tangerines, and squeeze into a slightly tighter pair of

for exams etc. is exemplary.

shorts, persuade the unwilling legs to do his bidding

You would expect nothing less of course, if you knew

and click that footballing brain into gear, alongside

the character of the man, but typically it is all done

his old amigo, Leggy, for old time’s sake.

in a low key, self effacing way, borne out of intense

It has often been said, but for a man to have been

loyalty and passion for the Club.

around for so long and yet to be immortalised by his

He is a role model (and a necessary one as well)

first and only vomit in his first week as a member of

for all those who aspire to see this Club thrive in

the Club, is quite remarkable.

the longer term. He is proof that if you want that to

Pukey Phil he was christened and the name has

happen, not just selfishly for yourself, but for future

stuck as securely as the aforementioned dried out

generations of students in Leeds, then it requires

vomit on the toilet bowl the day after.

players not just to turn up and play when it suits for a year or two, but to commit and to contribute at

That trademark name though, is of course, borne

every level you can, for as long as you can, on and

out of huge fondness for Phil, starting with his own

off the pitch.

cohort of players which included the likes of “Little Chris” Smith, Steve “DJ” Hermon, Paul “Galesy”

When you’ve said all that about Phil, it almost seems

Gales (very original, that) and “Smokey” Chris

an afterthought to mention his haul of medals,

Saunderson.

mainly in The Hodgson Cup over many glory years of success: remember LMDAFC holds the league

It has since been passed down when introducing

record for the number of wins in this competition

him to successive incoming generations of players,

and Phil was right in the mix of that.

effectively as a badge of honour and affection, a nod to Phil’s rite of passage and acknowledgement of

We will be losing a really tough competitor,

Phil as survivor for all these years.

a massively loyal servant of the Club and the Tangerines in particular, but I’m sure retaining his

I wonder if he will officially ban the word when he

presence and support in other ways, which is some

assumes a Consultant post, like a previous grandee

consolation.

of the Club, Paul “Stinky” Turner, who can still cut up quite nastily if you try to re-attribute the nickname

My challenge to all the younger players is: fill

to him…..

his boots, take on his mantle, be the next Pukey (without the need to vomit.)

I suspect in Phil’s case, typical of his easy going nature, he will simply smile and accept that (academic

Phil would be the first to endorse that sentiment,

meetings and serious work excepted, perhaps) it is

I can assure you, but it’s easier said than done.

part of his life’s baggage and portfolio and should be

He would also endorse that longevity and loyalty,

carried with as much grace and equanimity as the

although demanding, are worth every bit of the

epithet will allow.

blood, sweat and tears expended in the effort down the years.

Phil, I am sure, would happily and proudly say that he has been greatly defined and shaped by his time

In his likely absence tonight, due to on-call

with the Club, which has resulted in the lifelong

commitments, we should raise a glass to one of our

friendships and memories which are so much to be

greats. I trust he will manage an odd appearance 51

PHIL ANTILL: MASTER OF THE CL ASS OF 2002 next season to enable the prestigious 15 year service Merit Award to be presented and to receive the applause he so richly deserves from you all.

SJL.

52

SATURDAY NIGHT

ANDY SMITH LMDAFC OLD BOY PROFILE Years service:

to the Christmas social myself and fellow 4th team stalwarts Andrew Legg, Aneel Bilkhu and Tom

1997-2010 4th team Captain 2002-2008

Scarrott elected to go to play a round of golf with

Honours:

a bottle of vodka. For every shot over par a shot of Vodka had to be drunk on the green. Leggy had

YOBL 4th Div Runners up 2003

never played golf before - The rest is history.

Hodgson Cup Winner 2003, 2010

Post LMDAFC:

YOBL 3rd Div Champions 2004

GP Partner at Bingley Medical Practice GPwSI

Fondest LMDAFC memory: Captaining 4th

Minor Surgery at Skin Surgery Clinic, Guiseley/

team to 2 promotions with successive Cup and

Harrogate

championship winning seasons

Club Doctor for Guiseley AFC

Claim to fame: Co-founder of the ‘Golf Ball’.

Amateur runner (Airecentre Pacers) and cyclist.

Following a late postponement of our game prior 53

THANKS!

THANK S & R ESPEC T TO OUR COAC H SHAUN The work done by Shaun in coaching our players

Again Shaun has also inputted tactically into

on a Wednesday night has been invaluable in

a number of games over the sason, with ben-

my view and I’m sure you’re all very grateful for

efit to me and the team. I am confident we

the time and thought he puts into those sessons

will continue with all their input next year, which provides great structure and disci-

Shaun has really developed the 1st and Re-

pline to our Thursday night sessions.

serve teams’ awareness of positional discipline, movement and effective shape when attack-

I’m delighted that Shaun continues as coach

ing or defending, as any good coach should. I

in the Lancashire F.A. set up, which has really

really like his clear, simple messages that do

allowed him to progress his coaching creden-

not overcomplicate the agenda of the session

tials and hopefully it will be a case of onwards

and allows the players to take those points

and upwards for him.Once again, all of us thank

into the Saturday game with real clarity.

him for his dedication, enthusiasm and skill over this season for the Club; he has contrib-

We always speak after our games to plan

uted significantly to our quality of Football.

the next session on a needs basis and he

SJL.

really looks forward to working with us, alongside his other coaching roles. He finds our players of high quality, receptive and enthusiastic, which is as it should be.

THANKS!

A big thank you from all the players to everyone who has supported the teams this year. In particular, Jan Ledger (darling of the 4th’s), Pete & Jan Monk, Christine & Kevin Ashmore who come up from Sheffield every week!

54

Former LMDAFC player now fronts British Heart Foundation poster campaign. He’s come a long way from playing on Bramley Park...

PR AGUE 2002! WHERE SHOULD WE GO IN 2017?

14 years ago the 1st ever LMDAFC tour was

group, and Pukey Phil had the pleasure of rooming

organized and the destination was Prague. As a 3rd

with yours truly and Tim Leslie. On entering our

year I was definitely as not as new to the game as

room there was a large chest, a perfect size to fit a

Pukey Phil and Little Chris, however the four days on

small child……..or Phil! So in he went, and due to the

tour were both immense fun and also the unification

poor boy’s fear, did not try to escape for 15 minutes

of the different generations of the club. There were

despite Tim and I sitting down away from the chest

representatives from 1st years through to senior

to have a beer! But finally the chest lid creaked open

medics and non-medics, including one of the most

and a small voice came out… “Can I come out yet?!”

senior members of the club at that time, the late

That’s not bullying, it’s just character building!

Rob Hamblett.

We then all met up for some early afternoon beers

We all met at 0500 at Leeds Bradford airport looking

at the bar across the road, and from the end of the

forward to an eventful few days. We were greeted

bar came Rob’s strong Yorkshire tone; “23 pence a

by Dom Nurse, who did an amazing job organising

fucking pint!!! This round is on me!” After several

the trip, and several cases of Yorkshire’s finest

more beers, an announcement was made by Dom;

Stella Artois! As this was just post 9/11, there were

“Tonight’s game kicks off at 5pm so if you are on the

a few eyebrows raised at the consumption of such a

team sheet you should stop drinking now!” Although

quantity of beverages at such an hour! The leader of

we were all probably 8 pints down at least by this

this was the aforementioned Rob, who epitomized

point, Rob’s response to this was “Fuck that, there is

everything that is great about Yorkshire (maybe not

no way I am playing tonight!”, as he necked a pint,

the graphic porn mag which he either had in his

got another and lit a fag.

back pocket or was “reading” during the flight to

The tournament was against three Italian teams who

Prague!).

we would play on successive days. So we turned up

As the beers continued to flow before getting on the

half cut at Sparta Prague’s training ground to be

plane, and then in-flight, the anticipation of the next

met by an Italian team with full matching tracksuit,

few days was building. On arrival in Prague, the bus

training kit and embroidered bathrobes!!! We did

picked us up and went through the very scenic city…

not have any bathrobes.

and out the other side, and deposited us at a hotel

With the first game at 5pm the following two days the

in the middle of some waste land near a suburb

games were at 2pm and then 10am if my memory

of Prague with a small bar and a pizza restaurant

serves me right! As you can imagine, if you thought

which would become a regular breakfast location.

the first game was interesting , the last game after

The rooms had been pre-allocated to mix up the

three days and nights on the beers and bucca, a 55

PR AGUE 2002! WHERE SHOULD WE GO IN 2017?

10am KO when we picked positions out of the hat

The tour was something I will always remember, for

in a bar the night before was very entertaining,

how it united the generations of the club, mainly

attracting a sizable local crowd! Rob’s centre-mid

due to the great characters that we had and still do

performance was certainly not box to box, and I

have in the club. It was an amazing few days.

am not sure he even got out of the centre-circle!

Rob was one of those great characters, and although

However he did manage to get a yellow card before

not a medic or a dentist, epitomized what the club

even touching the ball!

is all about and why Yorkshire is such a great place

Despite our pre-match preparation not being the

to live. It was therefore a massive honour to be the

same as the Italians, I think we drew the first two

first recipient of the Rob Hamblett Memorial Trophy

games and lost 1-0 on the final day.

last year, donated in his memory by team-mates and friends.

The evening entertainment was lively! For those of you that are thinking of a trip to Prague, check

I could only imagine what Rob would have said if

out Gold Fingers, a place for gentlemen to relax.

Ledger had been able to tell him that I would be

Another great character from the tour was John

receiving the award… “What… fucking Leggy?!”

Skitt. When Skitty returned from a private party

14 years is a long time to go without trying to

with the comment… “They love a bit of Ginge”, a

emulate such a great tour. Where should LMDAFC

look of impending doom then appeared on his face

go on tour in 2017?

as he realized that he had used his joint credit card

AL.

with his wife, to pay for the entertainment!!

56

DOBBO: STILL TICKLED PINK AFTER ALL THESE YEARS Laura (for that is her real name) but forever to be

And what you see is what you get with Dobbo – all

known as Dobbo, writes beautifully and movingly

smiles, encouragement and fun-loving, just great to

about her 15 years as a Pink Lady, elsewhere in the

be with and around. She simply lifts everyone with

Programme.

her infectious enthusiasm and positivity.

I, for one, am left feeling bereft and disorientated at

Her glass is usually half full, rather than half empty

this whirlwind passage of time.

and anyway, is topped up at regular intervals, either in the bars of Chapel Allerton or Call Lane.

The stunning and gorgeous - if you will allow an old man to say that, Dobbo – 1st year student is now a

But of course, out on the pitch, she adds steeliness

stunning, gorgeous and highly regarded cardiologist,

to her approach (not unlike her husband-to-be) and

on the cusp of taking up a Consultant post.

a determination not to be beaten, which lifts and motivates those around her to the same level of

The novice Pink Lady is now the undisputed Queen

performance.

of Pink and after a whirlwind decade of romance, she is about to become a Cheeky bride, another

Her finest hours have to be at NAMS (how many in

triumph for the LMDAFC match-making agency.

the bag now, Laura?) and just as importantly leading the Pinks out to party in unique Leeds fashion until

Jan and I cannot wait for the week-long celebration

the early hours, all dressed to kill.

in Spain of this eagerly anticipated event. I expect it will be a quiet, largely tee-total, rather starchy

However, whenever I have the pleasure of reflecting,

occasion, with everyone tucked up in bed early –

through these articles, on the Greats of our Club,

you all know how reluctant they both are to party….

including Dobbo, when milestones arise such as this, or regretfully maybe on their departure, or

I could, of course be wrong, and will let you know,

both, there is a recurrent theme.

should that prove to be the case, and should I survive their wedding equivalent of a black ski run:

That theme revolves less around their stature as

dangerous, exciting, intoxicating and going rapidly

a footballer: at this point of consideration, that is

downhill before the end.

almost secondary.

It should be remembered that very few of the much

The theme really centres on their innate appreciation

older established men’s section of the Club have

and fostering of the team and Club ethos, their

reached the 15 year landmark and Dobbo is, by a

inclusivity, their warmth and generosity of spirit and

mile, the first to achieve this in the Pink’s ranks. She

willingness to “go the extra mile” to ensure that

could be the last, though Laura and I would really

others can share the same experience.

hope not.

It is how they nurture and embody those things

What is clear though is how far it sets her apart

that we value here, not for self-serving reasons,

from the rest, and how high she has set the bar, in

but because they really care about what happens

terms of loyalty, commitment and passion for our

to LMDAFC.

Club.

The description above fits Dobbo like a glove and

If she can manage a game or two next season from

you can add on top that she makes it all FUN into

her new place of work, wherever that might be, she

the bargain!

will join a small group of players, exclusively men

I feel so fortunate to have got to know her over

to date, who have gone from first year student to

these last 15 years and to appreciate what a special

Consultant in the Club colours.

person she is. Cheeky is a very, VERY lucky man and

That should provide inspiration to everyone – men

deep down – I think he knows it….

and women alike, and be a cause of celebration for

PS: speak it quietly, but they have 29 LMDAFC years

us all.

between them and that IS a record!

57

SJL.

LMDAFC ARE MOST GRATEFUL TO...

Geoff Baggaley, Jon Short, Steve Ledger, Paddy Coughlin and the players in the 2004/5 Double Winning Team who have funded the Rob Hamblett Memorial Trophy, to be presented for the second time this evening.

YOR K S HIR E AMATEUR LE AGUE R EPR E S ENTAT I VE HONOUR S

LMDAFC are very proud to have the For the newly formed League Under 21 Team: following players representing the League this season at senior level: Tom McBride Ollie Ballantine Sam Hinchcliffe Johnathan Makela David Ashmore Tom Hazeldine Sammy Bzeu Tim Griffiths Olasunkami Olagunju Steve Njoukam All of the above were a great credit to our club and have carried themselves with great distinction.

THANKS!

Many t hank s t o Steve R iding for his phot o graphic c ove rage of our game s whic h have be e n fe at uring in York shir e Eve ning Pos t .

58

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO: S am Mile s, C lub S e c r e t ar y Ale x C airns, Fix t ur e S e c r e t ar y Le e Pur s glove , Tr e asur e r Who have all done a brilliant job this year, as always.

Thanks also to: Dave Emms & Hinc hy, for le ading Monday night f it ne s s t raining And to: Be n Coom, Coac h t o t he Pink L adie s

THE VERY BEST OF LUCK! ...to all who are taking their Finals this year,

Best wishes from the club for your future careers.

ANNA WALLACE

FRASER SMITH

RHI DAVISON

CALLUM CRAVEN

MISHA GAUR

BRYN THOMAS

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Marc Fadden & Lisa on their engagement

BEST WISHES TO

John Sullivan & Helen Cheeky & Dobbo on their summer weddings 59

AL I VE AND K IC K ING Steve Ledger has been involved with LMDAFC as

largest in Yorkshire) on Saturdays. We maintain an

player, manager and President, from his student

all-student team within the University and have two

days in the mid 1970’s. He considers here, the con-

women’s teams, the 1sts playing in The West Rid-

tinuing pull of “the beautiful game” and this Club in

ing Women’s League. Our students (of both sexes)

particular. Its enduring spirit, fellowship and success

also compete in the National Annual Medical Schools

over the last four decades or more, merits recogni-

Championships, in which the ladies in particular,

tion from the wider Alumni community.

have been prolific.

“I’m sorry I can’t help you further in your search

In 1980, we moved from purely student football, to

for academics. In fact, two of my back four, cannot

the now defunct Red Triangle League, a really tough

even read.”

grounding. Memories of close encounters with Harehills Labour Club and Ackroyd Street Working Men’s

So said Joe Royle, then manager of Oldham Athletic,

Club still linger, though none too fondly!

responding to a researcher writing about footballers with degrees. Reassuringly, this is one issue we do

Transfer to The Yorkshire Old Boys League (originally

not share with the professionals …

formed by alumni of the Yorkshire grammar schools, now with much wider membership and since re-

On the other hand, many are surprised that Medics

named) provided better opposition, the opportuni-

can take the amateur game so seriously. But we

ty to expand and represent the Faculty throughout

do, and I cannot rationalise or explain the emotion.

West Yorkshire.

Saturdays, even after 42 years of personal involvement, remain eagerly anticipated, with the dressing

The Leeds & District Senior FA Cup affords a chance

room buzz and the desire to win, still a catalyst.

of playing a Final at Leeds United’s ground. At our

Those who have juggled on-call, academic and per-

level, football dreams are made of this and our 1st

sonal commitments to ensure their availability will

team have agonisingly fallen twice in semi-finals,

surely echo that. Equally, if players did not value

beaten only by higher level opposition.

the support network, the sense of belonging and

LMDAFC is the only Club in the League to maintain a

the friends made for life (as well as the competitive

team in each of the top four divisions (out of eight)

motivation), we could never have progressed.

for many years now, meaning our 3rds and 4ths are

The Club is special, because a 1st year student can

invariably competing against 1st and Reserve teams

line up with a Consultant or GP (or any “rank” in be-

– some challenge!

tween): no clique, all equally respected and valued.

Highlights include two Premiership titles for our 1st

We now have sons of alumni – two generations of

team along with two League Cup wins, two Cham-

Medics footballers – playing for us, which is won-

pionship titles for our Reserves, who also count two

derful!

Leeds & District Cup successes, alongside their NINE Reserve Team Cup wins, a record in the League’s

Up to, and including the 1970’s, there was always a

history. Our IIIrd team have won their respective

student team within Leeds University, plus fixtures

League Cup EIGHT times – also a record, with our

against other northern Medical Schools.

IVth team weighing in with one Cup win too.

In one memorable season, we maintained a 100%

We hold the unique honour of being the only club

win record in the University league and extended

in the 88 year history of the League to win all 3 do-

our unbeaten record against Medical Schools over

mestic Cup competitions in the one season (2006-

two years.

07)

It was felt a fresh challenge was needed. Gradually,

Many of our footballers have played for the League

aided by likeminded contempories, the foundations

Representative team, in national level competition.

of a Club were established, now fielding four teams in the FA affiliated Yorkshire Amateur League (the

Our student team have been crowned Inter-Varsity 60

Champions twice, winning Leeds University’s League

ment to the Club’s value. The students who join us,

championship, and then beating their Leeds Met/

quickly realise their good fortune in choosing Leeds

Beckett University counterpart in a play-off Final.

to learn Medicine – and play football!

The end-of-season Undergrad v Postgrad Challenge

We are proud of our development, but proud too of

Match for The Ralph Kester Trophy is predictably

our underpinning alumni roots. There have been so

feisty!

many outstanding contributors over the last 40 plus years of my memory. Many remain involved as play-

Fitness training (including the notorious Kirkstall

ers - some for 20 years or more - or if now far flung

hills, dreaded by so many alumni!) and coached

(or just too old!) support us by a Vice President sub-

football sessions take place weekly, maintaining our

scription, to offset the near £20,000 annual running

competitive edge.

costs. Several generous sponsors have helped too,

The Pink Ladies, the affectionate nickname of our

including NEXT, fashion designer John Galliano and

women’s teams, continue their development and

currently, for an incredible 11 years, Steve Beever, a

are passionate about the game and the Club. They

super Leeds entrepreneur.

certainly hold their own in the strong West Riding

I would wish all Club alumni to make contact with

league and boast many NAMS winners’ medals, too.

me, on sledger@nhs.net to build the Club contact

Regular social events, include our end of season

list, especially those wishing to rekindle interest in

Dinner, with presentation of trophies and individu-

the Club, or their playing contemporaries, and if you

al awards, many generously donated by alumni. We

have old team photos etc to add to the archive.

produce a superb, bound 70 odd page end-of-sea-

An electronic newsletter goes out twice yearly to

son Programme, archiving the Club’s progress, year

all contactable alumni, plus access to our Facebook

on year.

page.

The biennial Alumni Dinner at The Alwoodley Golf

For those alumni previously unaware of LMDAFC as

Club, attracts large numbers, enjoying great com-

a thriving entity, spanning the undergrad/postgrad

pany, hospitality and the opportunity to hazily remi-

divide like no other, I hope this article provides in-

nisce! The next event is scheduled for Saturday 24th

terest: valuing team ethic, and preserving work-life

September 2016, details to follow.

balance are increasingly threatened in Medicine.

Success – and the sporting way we achieve it (with-

It is a great Club, with students as ever, at the

out being a soft touch!) is very important, but the

heart of it, and alumni providing the backbone that

wonderful support network provided for so many –

strengthens and sustains it on, and off the pitch.

way beyond our playing days – is even greater testa-

Long may it continue.

SJL

GOOD LUCK! WE’LL MISS YOU! The following have left the Club either during the season or will do so at the season’s end.

Anna Wallac e , Luc as z Wiac e k , Ale x Fe be n, Paddy K night , Alan S alt e r, Phil Ant ill, Tom Dows e t t Thanks for all your years of service and we wish you all the best for your futures, wherever you may be. Keep supporting the Club, stay in touch and play an odd game or two for us!

61

PROFESSIONAL CONGRATULATIONS DUE TO...

Andrew Le gg on being appointe d C onsult ant Or thopae dic Surge on Alan Salter on being appointed to his post in General Practice Mat t Holt, Alex Feben, Tom Dowset t & Paddy K night on being appointe d to training pos t s in their par ticular spe cialitie s Sam Hinchliffe on being promoted to Head of Operations at Yorkshire County Cricket Club

CONGRATULATIONS To those ac hieving their Interc alate d De gre e s Keiran Wardman Alex Howard Sverrir Kristinsson Niall Robinson Hugh Goodfield Alex Cairns Alex Monk Vas Giannoudis

62

2015/16 LMDAFC SERVICE MERIT AWARDS WE APPLAUD ALL THE RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR LOYALTY AND DEDICATION TO THE CLUB.

5 YE AR S

10 YE AR S

Misha Gaur

Charlie Izard

Keiran Wardman

Chris Pickering

Hugh Goodfield

Callum Craven

Sverrir Kristinsson

Jimmy Brooke

Niall Robinson

Paul Hodgson (6)

Joe Timpson

15 YE AR S Laura Dobbson

A BIG THANK YOU TO...

HINC HY For providing complimentary tickets for Yorkshire CCC matches and help in accessing the Test Match. It is much appreciated.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Brad Chambers (and possibly Dave Emms) for being selected to play in the Great Britain Medics World Cup Squad for Barcelona 2016.

We wish you every success!

Please Help Me !! I’m currently being held captive by SJL in an Adel dungeon. I’ve been forced to work 18 hours straight and he keeps threatening me with salad. Send a rescue party complete with Big Mac, Fries and a large Coke……SB 63

PREMIERSHIP POS

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Farsley Celtic Juniors

18

14

2

2

64

23

41

44

2

Ealandians

18

12

3

3

53

36

17

39

3

Alwoodley FC

18

11

1

6

62

35

27

34

4

Leeds Medics & Dentists

18

9

5

4

57

33

24

32

5

Farnley Sports

18

9

2

7

32

32

0

29

6

Grangefield OB

18

6

4

8

31

37

-6

22

7

Stanningley OB

18

6

1

11

35

47

-12

19

8

Trinity & All Saints COB

18

5

2

11

23

54

-31

17

9

Wigton Moor

18

4

2

12

35

63

-28

14

10

Rodillian

18

2

2

14

25

57

-32

8

CHAMPIONSHIP POS

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

St. Nicholas

22

16

4

2

68

15

53

52

2

Leeds Medics & Dentisits Res

22

15

4

3

56

28

28

49

3

Beeston Juniors

22

14

3

5

70

40

30

48

4

Alwoodley FC Res

21

9

4

8

55

51

4

31

5

Shire Academics

22

9

3

10

67

48

19

30

6

Morley Town AFC

22

9

3

10

67

67

0

30

7

Beeston St. Anthonys

21

8

7

6

42

36

6

28

8

Thornesians

22

8

4

10

51

68

-17

28

9

Stanningley OB Res

22

7

6

9

44

57

-13

27

10

Collingham Juniors OB

22

6

4

12

14

55

-15

22

11

Old Batelians

22

5

1

16

52

96

-14

16

12

Leeds Independent

22

2

3

17

38

89

-51

9

DIVISION 1 POS

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Drighlington FC

22

15

4

3

83

26

57

49

2

Calverley Utd

21

13

2

6

41

32

9

41

3

Amaranth

21

12

1

8

47

41

6

37

4

Leeds Medicis & Dentisits III

22

11

3

8

42

43

-1

36

5

Wortley

21

11

2

8

67

43

24

35

6

Garforth Rangers

22

10

3

9

50

39

11

33

7

Dewsbury Rangers FC

22

10

3

9

48

43

5

33

8

Rothwell Res

22

9

2

11

55

60

-5

26

9

St Bedes AFC

22

8

2

12

59

80

-21

26

10

Grangefield OB Res

20

8

3

9

48

58

-10

24

11

Wheelwright OB

21

4

3

14

45

72

-27

15

12

Colton Athletic

22

2

4

16

37

85

-48

10

64

DIVISION 2 POS

Â

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1

Gildersome Spurs OB

20

17

0

3

98

31

67

51

2

Huddersfield YMCA

20

16

1

3

89

34

55

49

3

Farsley Celtic Juniors Res

20

14

1

5

70

31

39

43

4

Churwell Lions

20

13

2

5

61

35

26

41

5

Woodkirk Valley

19

11

0

8

69

44

25

33

6

Sandal Wanderers

20

9

4

7

61

61

0

31

7

Old Collegians

20

7

2

11

52

57

-5

23

8

Morley Town AFC Res

20

6

1

13

60

72

-12

19

9

Old Centralians

20

5

0

15

37

104

-67

15

10

Leeds Medics & Dentists IV

19

3

1

15

38

75

-37

10

11

Old Batelians Res

20

2

0

18

33

124

-91

6

TOP ASSISTS

TOP GOAL SCORER Player

Goals

Player

Assists

Niall Robinson

22

Jack Heliwell

11

Jonathan Cattral

18

Niall Robinson

11

Sverrir Kristinsson

16

Kieran Wardman

10

Kieran Wardman

11

Alex Feben

9

Brad Chambers

11

Hugh Goodfield

9

Fergus Machin

10

John Forrest

8

Alex Monk

10

Dave Emms

8

Chris Sheppard

9

Daniel Briscoe

8

Alan Salter

9

Sverrir Kristinsson

7

Nick Maxwell

9

Alex Monk

7

Chris Sheppard

7

PREMIERSHIP GOLDEN BOOT Player

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLDEN BOOT

Goals

Daniel Lyons

28

Callum Armstrong

16

Leroy Watson

15

Niall Robinson

14

Graham Shaw

12

Player

65

Goals

Alex Cookson

17

Ryan Dawson

17

George Lazaro

16

Sverrir Kristinsson

14

Richard Metcalfe

13

DIVISION 1 GOLDEN BOOT Player

DIVISION 2 GOLDEN BOOT

Goals

Player

Goals

Shane Sowden

30

Tom Hart

35

Jordan Northin

23

Steven Wells

33

Kean Varley

22

Ryan Fuller

28

Joe Hudson

15

Mike Hall

20

Fergus Machin

9

Jonathan Cattrall

14

GOALS PER GAME Player

MOST APPEAR ANCES

Goals/Game

Player

Appearances

Jonathan Cattral

1.1

Kieran Wardman

30

Daniel Sullivan

1.0

Jack Heliwell

30

Kevin Darley

1.0

Alex Howard

29

Niall Robinson

0.9

Hugh Goodfield

25

Brad Chambers

0.9

Harry Dixon

25

Sam Miles

24

Niall Robinson

24

Sverrir Kristinsson

24

Sam Hinchliffe

23

Vasilis Giannoudis

22

David Ashmore

21

TEAM OF THE SEASON (FANTASY FOOTBALL POINTS) Player

Pos

Points

Harry Dixon

GK

69

Alex Howard

DEF

107

Paul Hodgson

DEF

90

Dave Ashmore

DEF

85

Player

Kieran Wardman

MID

150

David Ashmore

6

Jack Heliwell

MID

113

Alex Howard

5

Chris Sheppard

MID

113

Paul Hodgson

5

Alex Monk

MID

107

Rakaan Al-Huneidi

5

Sverrir Kristinsson

ST

149

Lukasz Wiacek

4

John Forrest

ST

159

Joe Timpson

4

Niall Robinson

ST

191

Bryn Thomas

4

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66

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67

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